For the last 100 years, the Democrats have tended to be the more left-leaning or liberal

party in U.S. government. That means that Democrats tend to support the ideas of
equal rights and opportunities for the working and lower classes, as well as the right to
civil liberties that protect individuals from the government's interference. Democrats
generally believe that government should play a role in making sure all citizens are well
cared for, even if it means creating taxes-fees that all citizens pay-to make possible
programs that benefit those who are in need. In general, Democrats support
reproductive rights-like the right to have access to birth control and, if necessary, an
abortion. Many Democrats support legislation to protect gays and lesbians against
discrimination. Some, but not all, believe same-sex marriage should be legal.
Democrats believe that the environment needs protecting, and that conservation of
wildlife needs to happen with the help of government laws that prevent pollution, even if
it means penalizing businesses that cause the pollution. In general, Democrats support
a strong military but do not think that international affairs should be more important than
making sure the country's citizens are taken care of at home. Most Democrats support
the idea of a universal health care system like those found in Europe and Canada. The
symbol of the Democratic Party is the donkey.
Source:
https://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/usgovernmentandlaw/politicalparties/qanda_popup.weml?
qanda_id=3787&character=Tim&character_id=1

The Republican Party, often called the GOP, is considered the more right-leaning or
conservative party in U.S. government. Republicans tend to support the rights of
business owners large and small, and they believe that government should in general
have a relatively limited role in daily life. Republicans tend to believe that lower tax rates
promote spending that leads to a strong economy. Republicans also generally believe
that personal and corporate responsibility keep the work force motivated and lead to
economic prosperity. Many (but by no means all) Republicans oppose the right to an
abortion, as well as the use of human embryos for biological research. Republicans
tend to oppose same-sex marriage. In general Republicans support gun ownership
rights. Republicans also tend to favor free trade agreements with other countries (the
passing of goods between countries without government-imposed costs). They also
tend to favor the reduction of illegal immigration into the United States. Republicans
usually favor a strong military and currently favor the spreading of democracy in
unstable regions such as the Middle East. In general, Republicans support school
choice through voucher programs and charter schools. Most Republicans do not
support a universal health care system like those found in Europe and Canada. The
symbol of the Republican Party is the elephant.
Source:
https://www.brainpop.com/socialstudies/usgovernmentandlaw/politicalparties/qanda_popup.weml?
qanda_id=3787&character=Tim&character_id=1

Party summary[edit]

Senate[edit]

Composition of the U.S. Senate at the beginning of this Congress.

Party
(Shading indicates majority caucus)

Affiliation

Democratic

Independent

Republican

Total

Vacant

End of previous Congress

53

45

100

Begin (January 3, 2015)

44

54

100

Latest voting share

46%

54%

House of Representatives[edit]

Composition of the U.S. House of Representatives at the beginning of this Congress.

Party
(Shading indicates majority caucus)

End of previous Congress

Democratic

Republican

Total

Vacant

201

234

435

247

435

246

434

245

433

Begin (January 3, 2015)

January 5, 2015

188

February 6, 2015

Latest voting share

43.4%

56.6%

Non-voting members