Democrats and Republicans Seeking the Same Ends by Different Means

Democrats Government needs to guide social change View government as a tool for improving the quality of life for Americans The government should provide safety and security from the cradle to the grave. Government should play an active role in the economy.

Republicans Government should only provide those functions that individuals cannot do alone. Government should not interfere in the lives of people or the market and let people pursue the American Dream. Less government allows for more individual freedom and liberty. The private sector is more efficient than the government.

The Issues

Abortion Democrats tend to be pro-choice. Republicans tend to be pro-life.

Global Warming Democrats tend to want the government to take action to solve global warming. Republicans tend to believe that individuals should take action to solve global warming, not the government.

Death Penalty Democrats tend to be against the death penalty. Republicans tend to be supportive of the death penalty.

Gun Control Democrats tend to be supportive of increased gun control measures. Democrats tend to be supportive of increased gun control measures. Republicans tend to be against stricter gun control laws.

Same Sex Marriage Democrats tend to be supportive of same sex marriage and equal rights for the gay community. Republicans tend to be against same sex marriage.

Medicare Democrats tend to be supportive of and might want to increase Medicare. Republicans tend to be less supportive of social programs like Medicare and might want to decrease them.

Censorship Democrats tend to be against censorship. Republicans tend to favor a degree of censorship in the media.

International Aid Democrats tend to be supportive of international aid to other countries. Republicans tend to be less supportive of the United States providing aid for other countries.

Patriot Act Democrats tend to be against the Patriot Act and its provisions. Republicans tend to be more supportive of the Patriot Act and its provisions.

Government-Sponsored Universal Health Care Democrats tend to be supportive of the concept of government- sponsored universal health care. Republicans tend to be against the concept of government-sponsored universal health care.

Vouchers Democrats tend to be against the voucher program. Republicans tend to be supportive of the voucher program.

Use of Torture Democrats tend to be against the use of torture, both domestically and abroad. Republicans tend to be less critical of the use of torture, both domestically and abroad.

English as a National Language Democrats tend to be against the concept of legislating English as the national language. Republicans tend to be more supportive of the concept of legislating English as the national language.

Tax on Unhealthy Foods Democrats tend to be supportive of adding taxes onto unhealthy foods, such as sweets, fast food, and cigarettes. Republicans tend to be against adding taxes onto unhealthy foods.

Affirmative Action Democrats tend to be supportive of the concept of affirmative action and believe it is both useful and necessary. Republicans tend to be against the concept of affirmative action and believe it should be abolished.

Political Parties Party-in-electorate: Whether you’re a Rep, Dem, Libertarian (party ID with the people) Party-as-organization: National office, full- time staff, rules and bylaws, budgets Party-in-government: Elected officials who identify with the party Functions: nominations, fund-raising, campaigning, governing, get information out, mobilize, unify

Modern Trends Recent years – decline of both parties and upsurge in independence Ticket-splitting: voting with one party for one office and the other for another office

Third Parties Promote certain causes Splinter parties Extension of popular individuals Bring new groups to electorates Serve as “safety valve” for popular discontent

Third Party Candidates Libertarian PartyGreen Party