1. Republicans and Democrats

2. Liberals vs. Conservatives Liberal believe in government action to achieve equal opportunity and equality for all government should guarantee that no one is in need Government should help individuals solve their problems Conservatives believe in personal responsibility, limited government, Individuals should solve their own problems

3. Republican Party Symbol – Elephant – Why? – Came from an 1874 political cartoon that depicted a Democratic donkey scaring a Republican elephant Nickname – GOP Color – Red Conservative

5. Democratic Party Symbol – Donkey – Why? Used by opponents in 1828 to insult Andrew Jackson (saying he was stubborn like a donkey) Color – Blue Liberal

6. Goals for America

7. Republicans Less government spending Smaller National Government Lower taxes for EVERYONE (including the wealthy) Conservative

8. Democrats Bigger government More government spending Lower taxes for poor, higher taxes for rich Liberal

9. Issues

10. Military

11. Republicans STRONG military even if it means more $$$

12. Democrats Decrease military spending and strengthen international organizations like NATO and the UN. Scale back our military

13. Gun Control

14. Republicans Guns should be available to law abiding citizens Support your rights to carry concealed weapons in public

15. Democrats Want to restrict guns (THEY DO NOT WANT TO GET RID OF ALL WEAPONS) Favor gun control laws Restrict carrying concealed weapons Want strict laws regarding who can purchase guns (mentally ill, convicted felons)

16. Global Warming

17. Republicans Climate change might be real, but it’s just natural Fighting global warming is not a large priority

18. Democrats Americans should change their lifestyles to help battle global warming

19. Same Sex Couples

20. Republicans Hold the view that marriage should be between a man and a woman

21. Democrats Usually support rights for same sex couples Believe it is OK for someone to be with whomever they choose

22. Minimum Wage

23. Republicans Believes the free market should determine wages. No/Less government involvement in the economy

24. Democrats Believes a living wage above the poverty line should be given

25. Death Penalty

26. Republicans Necessary punishment

27. Democrats Do not believe life should be taken as punishment Only should be used if there is no doubt that this person committed the crime

28. Illegal Immigration

29. Republicans Illegal immigrants should return to their home country and enter the USA legally

30. Democrats Illegal immigrants should be given a way to get their citizenship

31. Education

32. Republicans Students should be allowed to choose which school they attend Help people pay for cost of attending private schools that can’t afford it Schools should be held accountable for student learning (ex: PSSA’s)

33. Democrats Students should attend nearest school to their home.

34. College

35. Republicans Our government should not be helping students pay for college

36. Democrats Everyone should have the opportunity to attend college Government should help pay if necessary

37. Abortion

38. Republicans Government should protect the unborn child’s life

39. Democrats Women should have the right to choose. It is a woman’s body therefore it is her choice.