Ashura9
JF-Expert Member
- Oct 21, 2012
- 740
- 485
Differences between the Democratic and Republican parties on major issues
This comparison examines the differences between the policies and political positions of the Democratic and Republican parties on major issues such as taxes, the role of government, entitlements (Social Security, Medicare), guncontrol, immigration, healthcare, abortion and gay rights. These two parties dominate America's political landscape but differ greatly in their philosophies and ideals.
Democratic Party vs Republican Party
Democrat
current rating is 3.89/5
(14223 ratings)
Philosophy Liberal, left-leaning.
Economic Ideas Minimum wages and progressivetaxation, i.e., higher tax rates for higher income brackets. Born out of anti-federalist ideals but evolved over time to favor more government regulation.
Social and human ideas Based on community and social responsibility
Stance on Military issues Decreased spending
Stance on Gay Marriage Support (some Democrats disagree)
Stance on Abortion Should not be made illegal; support Roe v. Wade (some Democrats disagree)
Stance on Death Penalty While support for the death penalty is strong among Democrats, opponents of the death penalty are a substantial fraction of the Democratic base.
Stance on Taxes Progressive (high income earners should be taxed at a higher rate). Generally not opposed to raising taxes to fund government.
Stance on Government Regulation Government regulations are needed to protect consumers.
Healthcare Policy Support universal healthcare; strong support of government involvement in healthcare, including Medicare and Medicaid. Generally support Obamacare.
Stance on Immigration There is greater overall support in the Democratic party for a moratorium on deporting - or offering a pathway to citizenship to - certain undocumented immigrants. e.g. those with no criminal record, who have lived in the U.S. for 5+ years.
Traditionally strong in states California, Massachusetts, New York
Symbol Donkey
Color Blue
Founded in 1824
Website www.democrats.org
Senate Leader Harry Reid
Chairperson Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Famous Presidents Franklin Roosevelt (FDR), John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton, Woodrow Wilson, Jimmy Carter, Barack Obama
Seats in the Senate 44/100
Seats in the House of Representatives 188/435
Governorships 18/50
Membership 43.1 million (as of 2012)
2016 Presidential Candidates Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Martin O'Malley
Republican
current rating is 3.83/5
(13930 ratings)
Philosophy Conservative, right-leaning.
Economic Ideas Believe taxes shouldn't be increased for anyone (including the wealthy) and that wages should be set by the free market.
Social and human ideas Based on individual rights and justice
Stance on Military issues Increased spending
Stance on Gay Marriage Oppose (some Republicans disagree)
Stance on Abortion Should not be legal; oppose Roe v. Wade (some Republicans disagree)
Stance on Death Penalty A large majority of Republicans support the death penalty.
Stance on Taxes Tend to favor a "flat tax" (same tax rate regardless of income). Generally opposed to raising taxes.
Stance on Government Regulation Government regulations hinder free market capitalism and job growth.
Healthcare Policy Private companies can provide healthcare services more efficiently than government-run programs. Oppose Obamacare provisions like (1) requirement for individuals to buy health insurance or pay a fine, (2) required coverage of contraceptives.
Stance on Immigration Republicans are generally against amnesty for any undocumented immigrants. They also oppose President Obama's executive order that put a moratorium on deporting certain workers. Republicans also fund stronger enforcement actions at the border.
Traditionally strong in states Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas
Symbol Elephant
Color Red
Founded in 1854
Website www.gop.com
Senate Leader Mitch McConnell
Chairperson Reince Priebus
Famous Presidents Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Richard Nixon
Seats in the Senate 54/100
Seats in the House of Representatives 245/435
Governorships 31/50
Membership 30.7 million (as of 2012)
2016 Presidential Candidates Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Ben Carson, Jeb Bush, Chris Christie, Carly Fiorina, others.
This comparison examines the differences between the policies and political positions of the Democratic and Republican parties on major issues such as taxes, the role of government, entitlements (Social Security, Medicare), guncontrol, immigration, healthcare, abortion and gay rights. These two parties dominate America's political landscape but differ greatly in their philosophies and ideals.
Democratic Party vs Republican Party
Democrat
current rating is 3.89/5
(14223 ratings)
Philosophy Liberal, left-leaning.
Economic Ideas Minimum wages and progressivetaxation, i.e., higher tax rates for higher income brackets. Born out of anti-federalist ideals but evolved over time to favor more government regulation.
Social and human ideas Based on community and social responsibility
Stance on Military issues Decreased spending
Stance on Gay Marriage Support (some Democrats disagree)
Stance on Abortion Should not be made illegal; support Roe v. Wade (some Democrats disagree)
Stance on Death Penalty While support for the death penalty is strong among Democrats, opponents of the death penalty are a substantial fraction of the Democratic base.
Stance on Taxes Progressive (high income earners should be taxed at a higher rate). Generally not opposed to raising taxes to fund government.
Stance on Government Regulation Government regulations are needed to protect consumers.
Healthcare Policy Support universal healthcare; strong support of government involvement in healthcare, including Medicare and Medicaid. Generally support Obamacare.
Stance on Immigration There is greater overall support in the Democratic party for a moratorium on deporting - or offering a pathway to citizenship to - certain undocumented immigrants. e.g. those with no criminal record, who have lived in the U.S. for 5+ years.
Traditionally strong in states California, Massachusetts, New York
Symbol Donkey
Color Blue
Founded in 1824
Website www.democrats.org
Senate Leader Harry Reid
Chairperson Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Famous Presidents Franklin Roosevelt (FDR), John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton, Woodrow Wilson, Jimmy Carter, Barack Obama
Seats in the Senate 44/100
Seats in the House of Representatives 188/435
Governorships 18/50
Membership 43.1 million (as of 2012)
2016 Presidential Candidates Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Martin O'Malley
Republican
current rating is 3.83/5
(13930 ratings)
Philosophy Conservative, right-leaning.
Economic Ideas Believe taxes shouldn't be increased for anyone (including the wealthy) and that wages should be set by the free market.
Social and human ideas Based on individual rights and justice
Stance on Military issues Increased spending
Stance on Gay Marriage Oppose (some Republicans disagree)
Stance on Abortion Should not be legal; oppose Roe v. Wade (some Republicans disagree)
Stance on Death Penalty A large majority of Republicans support the death penalty.
Stance on Taxes Tend to favor a "flat tax" (same tax rate regardless of income). Generally opposed to raising taxes.
Stance on Government Regulation Government regulations hinder free market capitalism and job growth.
Healthcare Policy Private companies can provide healthcare services more efficiently than government-run programs. Oppose Obamacare provisions like (1) requirement for individuals to buy health insurance or pay a fine, (2) required coverage of contraceptives.
Stance on Immigration Republicans are generally against amnesty for any undocumented immigrants. They also oppose President Obama's executive order that put a moratorium on deporting certain workers. Republicans also fund stronger enforcement actions at the border.
Traditionally strong in states Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas
Symbol Elephant
Color Red
Founded in 1854
Website www.gop.com
Senate Leader Mitch McConnell
Chairperson Reince Priebus
Famous Presidents Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Richard Nixon
Seats in the Senate 54/100
Seats in the House of Representatives 245/435
Governorships 31/50
Membership 30.7 million (as of 2012)
2016 Presidential Candidates Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Ben Carson, Jeb Bush, Chris Christie, Carly Fiorina, others.
