Democrats vs. Republicans Political Process Unit 3 Lesson 2

Social Issues Abortion: Democrats are typically pro-choice and support few restrictions on abortion, Republicans are pro-life and support more restrictions on abortion; partial-birth abortion ban Gay Marriage: Democrats tend to be more supportive of legalizing gay marriage, Republicans favor a constitutional amendment to outlaw it Religion: Democrats favor less religious involvement in public places, Republicans believe community should decide; ten commandments in KY?

Domestic Issues Immigration: most Democrats want to legalize illegal immigrants, many Republicans oppose granting amnesty to illegal immigrants Health Care: many Democrats favor govt. run and controlled health care while Republicans support market reforms such as damage caps and tax savings Gun control: Democrats favor more control on guns, Republicans oppose most restrictions on guns Welfare: Democrats favor more generous benefits, Republicans believe generous benefits discourage work

Economy Power of federal govt.: Democrats favor a more powerful federal govt., Republicans want states to have more power Regulation of economy and business: Democrats support more regulation of business while Republicans believe regulation hurts the economy Taxes: Democrats favor higher taxes to pay for more govt. programs, Republicans believe lower taxes promote growth and investment Trade: Democrats favor more restrictions on free trade, Republicans support free trade

Environment and Energy Policy Global Warming: Democrats tend to favor tighter controls over the economy to reduce global warming, Republicans tend to oppose these because they hurt the economy Oil: Democrats tend to oppose expanded drilling for oil, Republicans support more drilling Energy Independence: Both parties support investing in new technologies, Dems oppose more nuclear power, Republicans want to continue to look for more oil while we transition Offshore Oil Rig

Foreign Policy Diplomacy: Democrats tend to favor more diplomacy, Republicans tend to favor using more military force War on Terror: Democrats believe we need to use a more limited approach and should not get involved in large wars; Republicans tend to support more aggressive action including sanctions and attacks against countries that support terrorism Countries in crisis: Democrats favor intervening in countries that are struggling while Republicans tend to want to let people solve their own problems Diplomacy

Party Demographics Democrats: have more power in the North and West and in big cities Republicans: have more power in the South and Midwest and in rural areas Republicans are more likely to be white, males, evangelical Christians, middle or upper class, married, more educated, and served in the military Democrats are more likely to be women, minorities, poorer, less educated, single, less religious, and work in union jobs, media, or education