The Green Party and the Independent Party are both much smaller rivals to the two main political parties in the United States - the Democratic Party and the Republican Party.
The Greens have been active as a third party in the United States since 2001. The party first gained widespread public attention during Ralph Nader's presidential runs in 1996 and 2000. Currently, the primary national Green Party organization in the U.S. is the Green Party of the United States, which has eclipsed the earlier Greens/Green Party USA.
There are several Independent Parties in the United States. Among them are:
- American Independent Party (California)
- Independent Party of Connecticut
- Independent Party of Delaware
- Independent Party of Oregon
- The Independent Party is a name chosen by Ralph Nader for his 2008 presidential campaign to gain easier ballot access in some states
Comparison chart
 | Green Party | Independent Party |
|---|---|---|
| About | Peace, Love, Equality, The Environment, Global Unity. | An Indepentent is often one who supports whichever party appeals to their ideals at the time. Their support relies on the specific candidates/issues. |
| Philosophy | Left-Libertarian, Left-Leaning, Liberal, Left-Wing, Pacifism, Feminism, Humanism. | Not affiliated with any major party |
| Stand on Military issues | Demilitarize society, Promote peace & equality. | Varies |
| Stand on Death penalty | Abolish it. Capital Punishment is Cruel & Unusual. | Varies |
| Stand on abortion | Pro-Choice. | Varies |
| Stand on gay marriage | For Marriage Equality | Varies |
| Social and human ideas | Grassroots Democracy, Social Justice & Equal Opportunity, Ecological Wisdom, Decentralization, Community Based Economics & Economic Justice, Feminism & Gender Equality, Personal & Global Responsibility, Future Focus & Sustainability. | Varies |
| Traditionally strong in states | Maine, New York, Wisconsin, Nevada | Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Nevada |
| Color | Green | White |
| Website | http://www.gp.org/index.php | www.aipca.org |
| Economic Ideas | Environmentalism, Fair Trade, Human Rights. | Vaires from person to person |
Democratic and Republican parties in the U.S.
Democracy 
Socialism 
Communism 
Conservative 
Left Wing
Comments: Green Party vs Independent Party