US POLITICAL PARTIES
Democrat~ Typically supports a broader range of social services
(Benefits and facilities to improve conditions of disadvantaged people), and considered more liberal.
Tends to favor an active role for government in society and believe that such involvement can
improve the quality of people’s lives and help achieve larger goals of opportunity & equality. Favor
more government control over economic matters and less government control over individual rights.
Examples of government involvement: environmental rules against pollution, or anti-discrimination
laws.
Policy directed toward =the community responsibility & social justice
Republican~ Favor a limited role for government in society, and are usually considered conservative.
Believe that relying on the private sector (businesses & individuals) can improve economic
productivity. “Big government” is seen as wasteful and an obstacle to getting things done.
Examples of government involvement: unnecessary environmental rules or heavy-handed anti-
discrimination laws
Policy directed toward= the individual responsibility and their rights
3rd Party Examples:
Green~ “Another US is Possible - Another Party is Necessary”
Key Values= grassroots democracy, non violence, community based, environmental balance, gender
equity, personal and global responsibility, respect for diversity, and a future focus
(considered liberal & left in spectrum)
Libertarian~ “Maximum freedom, Minimum government”
Favor a free-market economy, dedicated to personal freedom; and a foreign policy of non-
intervention, peace, and free trade.
XX Independent~ not enrolled in any political party
Democratic vs. Republican stands on controversial ideas
Military
Democrats; prefer decreasing military spending.
Republicans: prefer increasing military spending
Gun control laws
Democrats: want more gun control laws
Republicans: oppose gun control laws
Taxes
Democrats: support an increase taxes on the wealthy to pay for public programs
Republicans: support a cut in taxes for everyone (rich & poor)
Minimum Wage
Democrats: favor an increase in the wage to help workers
Republicans: oppose raising the minimum wage because it hurts businesses
Death Penalty
Democrats: do not think of it as mandatory as a measure to control crime
Republicans: consider it necessary to curb crime
Gay rights
Democrats: say that it’s every individual’s civil right to choose what they want and are in for Gay
rights
Republicans: believe that marriage should be between people of opposite sex and hence do not
encourage gay rights
Health care
Democrats: every American should have access to affordable health care, and no one should go
bankrupt just because they get sick.
Republicans: health care reform should allow for more competition and less government intervention
Energy
Democrats: transition to clean energy has the potential to grow our economy and create millions of
new jobs in America. Against off shore drilling in Alaska
Republicans: energy independence. Includes an "all of the above" approach ~ fossil fuels as well as
clean, renewable energy. Support offshore drilling
