1. Democrats vs. Republicans
Political Process Unit 3
Lesson 2

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?

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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