1. Political ideology typically determines a person’s party affiliation.

2. Democrats
What’s the difference?
Republicans

3. How much of a role should the government play?
The Central Question:
How much of a role should the government play?

4. Democrats Typically Believe:
Greater government role to help solve societal and economic problems
More direct support for those who cannot or will not care for themselves
More public programs to assist society
Increased regulations on business and economy
More taxes to support government efforts
A Little More Liberal

5. Republicans Typically Believe:
Less government involvement in society and economy
Allow people the freedom to solve own problems and rely on each other
Fewer government programs and regulations to encourage private growth
Less taxes and a smaller government
A Little More Conservative

6. Democrats Draw Support From:
Urban and rural areas
Labor Unions, “unskilled” workers
Generally people at the lower end of the socioeconomic ladder with lower educations
Ethnic and Religious Minorities
People who want some type of change

7. Republicans Draw Support From
Suburban areas
Business professionals – managers and owners
People at the higher end of the socioeconomic ladder
White protestants
People who like the “status quo”

8. They really have much in common:
Both parties are relatively “centrist”
Parties are locally based
Both parties desire strong economy and prosperity
Both parties agree on protecting America and its foreign interests