This chart describes the differences between the political positions of the Democratic and Republican parties issues, like the role they play in the government, the laws they are trying to appeal, the rights of citizens, immigration. America is a country with many different political viewpoints but just two major political parties.
Democrat
Republican
Philosophy
Liberal, left-leaning.
Conservative, right-leaning.
Economic Ideas
Minimum wages and progressivetaxation, i.e., higher tax rates for higher income brackets. Born out of anti-federalist ideals but evolved over time to favor more government regulation.
Believe taxes shouldn’t be increased for anyone (including the wealthy) and that wages should be set by the free market.
Social and human ideas
Based on community and social responsibility
Based on individual rights and justice
Stance on Military issues
Decreased spending
Increased spending
Stance on Gay Marriage
Support (some Democrats disagree)
Oppose (some Republicans disagree)
Stance on Abortion
Should not be made illegal; support Roe v. Wade (some Democrats disagree)
Should not be legal; oppose Roe v. Wade (some Republicans disagree)
Stance on Death Penalty
While support for the death penalty is strong among Democrats, opponents of the death penalty are a substantial fraction of the Democratic base.
A large majority of Republicans support the death penalty.
Stance on Taxes
Progressive (high income earners should be taxed at a higher rate). Generally not opposed to raising taxes to fund government.
Tend to favor a “flat tax” (same tax rate regardless of income). Generally opposed to raising taxes.
Stance on Government Regulation
Government regulations are needed to protect consumers.
Government regulations hinder free market capitalism and job growth.
Healthcare Policy
Support universal healthcare; strong support of government involvement in healthcare, including Medicare and Medicaid. Generally support Obamacare.
Private companies can provide healthcare services more efficiently than government-run programs. Oppose Obamacare provisions like (1) requirement for individuals to buy health insurance or pay a fine, (2) required coverage of contraceptives.
Traditionally strong in states
California, Massachusetts, New York
Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas
Symbol
Donkey
Elephant
Color
Blue
Red
Founded in
1824
1854
Website
www.democrats.org
www.gop.com
Senate Leader
Harry Reid
Mitch McConnell
Chairperson
Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Reince Priebus
Famous Presidents
Franklin Roosevelt (FDR), John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton, Woodrow Wilson, Jimmy Carter, Barack Obama
Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Richard Nixon
They both have good intentions for this country, they have common American values but they interpret them differently. This is true for every single human being. For example I’m a type of social conservative person . Like many Republicans, I don’t believe abortion should be a legal right but like many democrats I support the right to have a homosexual marriage. Like many American voters I am a moderate or a “swing voter” because I value ideas from both parties. The political parties are needed as a platform of ideas and both platforms of the major parties in this country have their pros and cons. How would you identify yourself?
http://www.democrats.org/issues/civil_rights
https://www.gop.com/issue/liberty/
http://edforsenate.com/about/issues/