Which statement best describes the development of political parties throughout united states history? over time people became divided on issues and political parties developed in the united states. there have generally been two main political parties, but their ideals, platforms, and names have changed through time. before the civil war political parties did not exist, but after the division of the north and south political parties arose and eventually divided into two parties. originally there were three political parties and over time this has been reduced down two political parties. political parties have always been stable. the democratic and republican parties were formed shortly after the constitution was written and have alternated in power since then. there have never been any other political parties.