Differences Between Democrats

and Republicans
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Introduction
History of Democrats and Republican
1 History of the Democratic Party
2 History of the Republican Party
Differences Between Democrats and Republicans
1 Tax Policy
2 Social Issues
3 Labor and Free Trade
4 Health Care
5 Social Programs
6 Foreign Policy
7 Energy Issues and the Environment
8 Education
9 Crime and Capital Punishment
10 Individual Liberty

Eleanor

13


History of Democrats and Republican

Differences Between Democrats and Republicans

The political landscape of the United States is dominated by two major

parties, the Democrats and Republicans. Though there are some
differences between democrats and republicans, its next to impossible to
classify everyone based on every political issue, there are many specific
important points that members of each party agree with. These important
points are generally found in each partys platform.
History of Democrats and Republican
In order to understand the fundamental differences and beliefs of each party, we
must look at the histories of Democrats and Republicans to understand their
motives for becoming a party. It is also necessary to understand their fundamental
beliefs and positions and how they have stuck with these positions through their
voting records.
History of the Democratic Party
The party can trace its roots all the way back to Thomas Jefferson when
they were known as Jeffersons Republicans and they strongly opposed
the Federalist Party and their nationalist views. The Democrats adopted
the donkey as their symbol due to Andrew Jackson who was publicly
nicknamed jackass because of his popular position of let the people
rule. The Democratic National Committee was officially created in 1848.
During the civil war a rift grew within the party between those who
supported slavery and those who opposed it. This deep division led to the
creation of a new Democratic party, the one we now know today.
History of the Republican Party
The Republican Party came into existence just prior to the Civil War due
to their long-time stance in favor of abolition of slavery. They were a small
third-party who nominated John C. Freemont for President in 1856. In
1860 they became an established political party when their nominee
Abraham Lincoln was elected as President of the United States. Lincolns
Presidency throughout the war, including his policies to end slavery for
good helped solidify the Republican Party as a major force in American
politics. The elephant was chosen as their symbol in 1874 based on a
cartoon in Harpers Weekly that depicted the new party as an elephant.
Differences Between Democrats and Republicans
With the establishment of a powerful two-party political system in the United
Statesthe Democrats beginning in 1824 and the Republicans beginning in
1854there are some core differences between the two based on very strong
political beliefs.
1
Tax Policy
Both parties favor tax cuts, but each party takes a different view on where
those tax cuts should be applied. The Democrats believe there should
only be cuts for middle and low income families, but believe they should
be higher on corporations and wealthy individuals. The Republicans
believe there should be tax cuts for everyone, both corporations and
people of all income levels.
2
Social Issues
One of the differences between democrats and republicans lies in their
views towards social issues. The Republicans tend to be conservative on
social issues. They tend to oppose gay marriage and promote marriage
being between a man and a woman. They also oppose abortion and
promote the right of gun ownership. Democrats tend to be more
progressive in their views, favoring abortion and gay marriage, but are
strongly for strict gun control laws that limit ownership.
3
Labor and Free Trade
Republicans and Democrats have very different ideas when it comes to
the business environment. Republicans tend to oppose increases to the
minimum wage, citing the need for business to keep costs low so they
can prosper and all Americans can have access to products and services.
The Democrats favor increasing the minimum wage so that Americans
have more money with which to purchase goods. They also favor trade
restrictions to protect American jobs while Republicans favor free trade in
order to keep costs low for consumers and make businesses more
profitable so they can grow.
4
Health Care
Democrats generally prefer a lot of government regulation and oversight
of the health care system, including the passage of the Affordable Care
Act, because it makes the health care system accessible to everyone.
Republicans, who opposed the Affordable Care Act, believe too much
government involvement in the industry will drive up costs and have a
negative impact on the quality of care that consumers receive.
5
Social Programs
Democrats across the board believe that government should run such
social programs as welfare, unemployment benefits, food stamps, and
Medicaid that support people in need. They believe more tax dollars
should be funneled into these programs. Republicans acknowledge a
need for these social programs, but favor less funding and tighter control.
Republicans favor supporting private organizations that support people in
need.
6
Foreign Policy
When it comes to differences between democrats and republicans, the
foreign policy can not be missed. Each party has had differing stances in
relation to foreign policy over the years depending on the situation.
Generally speaking, when military involvement may be required, the
Democrats favor more targeted strikes and limited use of manpower while
Republicans favor a full military effort to displace regimes that are
totalitarian and detrimental to their own people and who are threatening
others. Both parties typically agree that sending aid to other countries is a
good thing, but disagree on the nature of that aid and who should be
receiving it.
7
Energy Issues and the Environment
There have always been clashes between the parties on the issues of
energy and the environment. Democrats believe in restricting drilling for
oil or other avenues of fossil fuels to protect the environment while
Republicans favor expanded drilling to produce more energy at a lower
cost to consumers. Democrats will push and support with tax dollars
alternative energy solutions while the Republicans favor allowing the
market to decide which forms of energy are practical.
8
Education
The parties have different views on the education system of the country,
but both agree there needs a change. Democrats favor more progressive
approaches to education, such as implementing the Common Core
System, while Republicans tend to favor more conservative changes such
as longer hours and more focused programs. They are also divided on
student loans for college, with Democrats favoring giving students more
money in the form of loans and grants while Republicans favor promoting
the private sector giving loans and not the government.
9
Crime and Capital Punishment
Republicans generally believe in harsher penalties when someone has
committed a crime, including for selling illegal drugs. They also generally
favor capital punishment and back a system with many layers to ensure
the proper punishment has been meted out. Democrats are more
progressive in their views, believing that crimes do not involve violence,
such as selling drugs, should have lighter penalties and rehabilitation.
They are also against capital punishment in any form.
10
Individual Liberty
Individual liberty has been a sore subject of late. Political correctness is
on the rise and many people believe that people need to be protected
against themselves. Democrats have tended toward favoring legislation
that restricts some freedoms, including foods we may have access to.
Republicans favor personal responsibility, in that individuals should be
able to choose for themselves what they do and what they do not do if it
doesnt break existing laws.
Democrat vs. Republican
Diffen Politics U.S. Politics

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 redirects here.

Comparison chart
 Democrat Republican
User Rating (12705): User Rating (12480):

urrent rating is3.88/5 urrent rating is3.83/5

Philosophy Liberal, left-leaning. Conservative, right-leaning.

Economic Ideas Minimum wages and Believe taxes shouldn't be increased for
progressivetaxation, i.e., higher tax anyone (including the wealthy) and that
rates for higher income brackets. wages should be set by the free market.
Born out of anti-federalist ideals but
evolved over time to favor more
government regulation.

Social and Based on community and social Based on individual rights and justice
human ideas responsibility

Stance on Decreased spending Increased spending

Military issues

Stance on Gay Support (some Democrats disagree) Oppose (some Republicans disagree)
Marriage

Stance on Should not be made illegal; Should not be legal; oppose Roe v.
Abortion support Roe v. Wade (some Wade (some Republicans disagree)
Democrats disagree)

Stance on Death While support for the death penalty A large majority of Republicans
Penalty is strong among Democrats, support the death penalty.
opponents of the death penalty are a
substantial fraction of the
Democratic base.

Stance on Taxes Progressive (high income earners Tend to favor a "flat tax" (same tax rate
should be taxed at a higher rate). regardless of income). Generally
Generally not opposed to raising opposed to raising taxes.
 Democrat
User Rating (12705):
urrent rating is3.88/5
taxes to fund government.
Stance on Government regulations are needed
Government to protect consumers.
Regulation
Healthcare Support universal healthcare; strong
Policy support of government involvement
in healthcare, including Medicare
and Medicaid. Generally support
Obamacare.
Stance on There is greater overall support in
Immigration 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 California, Massachusetts, New
strong in states York
Symbol Donkey
Color Blue
Founded in 1824
Republican
User Rating (12480):
urrent rating is3.83/5
Government regulations hinder free
market capitalism and job growth.
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.
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.
Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas
Elephant
Red
1854
 Democrat Republican
User Rating (12705): User Rating (12480):

urrent rating is3.88/5 urrent rating is3.83/5

Website www.democrats.org www.gop.com

Senate Leader Harry Reid Mitch McConnell

Chairperson Debbie Wasserman Schultz Reince Priebus

Famous Franklin Roosevelt (FDR), John F. Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt,

Presidents Kennedy, Bill Clinton, Woodrow Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Richard
Wilson, Jimmy Carter, Barack Nixon
Obama

Seats in the 44/100 54/100

Senate

Seats in the 188/435 245/435

House of
Representatives

Governorships 18/50 31/50

Membership 43.1 million (as of 2012) 30.7 million (as of 2012)

Origin of the Democratic and Republican parties
The Democratic Party traces its origins to the anti-federalist factions around
the time of Americas independence from British rule. These factions were
organized into theDemocrat Republican party by Thomas Jefferson, James
Madison, and other influential opponents of the Federalists in 1792.

The Republican party is the younger of the two parties. Founded in 1854 by
anti-slavery expansion activists and modernizers, the Republican Party rose
to prominence with the election of Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican
president.

History
Since the division of the Republican Party in the election of 1912, the
Democratic party has consistently positioned itself to the left of the
Republican Party in economic as well as social matters. The
economically left-leaning activist philosophy of Franklin D. Roosevelt,
which has strongly influenced American liberalism, has shaped much of
the party's economic agenda since 1932. Roosevelt's New Deal coalition
usually controlled the national government until 1964.

The Republican Party was founded in 1854 by anti-slavery expansion

activists and modernizers, it rose to prominence with the election
of Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican president. The party presided
over the American Civil War and Reconstruction and was harried by
internal factions and scandals towards the end of the 19th century. Today,
the Republican Party supports a pro-business platform,
withfurther foundations in economic libertarianism and a brand of social
conservatism increasingly based on the viewpoints of the Religious Right.

Differences in Philosophy
While there may be several differences in opinion between
individual Democrats andRepublicans on certain issues, what follows is a
generalization of their stand on several of these issues. A Democrat is
typically known as a supporter of a broader range of social services in
America than those advocated by Republicans. Republican philosophy is
based on a limited influence of government and a dominant foreign policy.
Republicans are considered on the "right" end of the political spectrum
while Democrats are on the "left." The far right generally is pro-religion,
anti-bureaucracy, pro-military, pro-business and pro-personal
responsibility.

Republicans, are usually considered conservative (fiscally as well as

socially), maybe a little pious, pro-business and against the bureaucracy
often associated with big government. They see big governments as
wasteful and an obstacle to getting things done. Their approach is
Darwinian in that the strong shall survive, cream rises to the top, etc.

To the far left of the spectrum are the extreme liberal, or the most extreme
democrats. Democrats are considered more liberal. Democrats tend to favor
an active role for government in society and believe that such involvement
be it environmental regulations against polluting or anti-discrimination
laws can improve the quality of peoples lives and help achieve the
larger goals of opportunity and equality. On the other hand, Republicans
tend to favor a limited role for government in society and believe that such
reliance on the private sector (businesses and individuals) be it avoiding
unnecessary environmental regulations or heavy-handed anti-
discrimination laws can improve economic productivity and help achieve
the larger goals of freedom and self-reliance

Individual and Community

Republican philosophy leans more towards individual freedoms, rights and
responsibilities. In contrast, Democrats attach greater importance to
equality and social/community responsibility.

Democratic vs Republican stand on controversial

issues
The Democrats and Republicans have varying ideas on many issues, some
of which are listed below. These are broadly generalized opinions; it must
be noted that there are many politicians in each party who have different
and more nuanced positions on these issues.

Military
Republicans: Prefer increasing military spending and have a more hard line
stance against countries like Iran, with a higher tendency to deploy the
military option.

Democrats: Prefer lower increases in military spending and are

comparatively more reluctant to using military force against countries like
Iran, Syria and Libya.

Gun control laws

Democrats favor more gun control laws e.g. oppose the right to carry
concealed weapons in public places. Republicans oppose gun control laws
and are strong supporters of the Second Amendment (the right to bear
arms) as well as the right to carry concealed weapons.

Abortion
Democrats support abortion rights and keeping elective abortions legal.
Republicans believe abortions should not be legal and that Roe v.
Wade should be overturned. Some Republicans go so far as to oppose the
contraception mandate i.e. requiring employer-paid health insurance plans
to cover contraception.

A related point of divergence is embryonic stem cell research - Democrats

support it while Republicans do not.

Gay rights
Democrats tend to favor equal rights for gay and lesbian couples e.g. the
right to get married and adopt children. Republicans believe
that marriage should be between a man and a woman so they do not
support gay marriage or allowing them to adopt children.

Death Penalty
Opponents of the death penalty form a much higher fraction of the
Democratic Party when compared to the GOP.

Taxes
Democrats support progressive taxes i.e. they want high-
income individuals to pay taxes at a higher rate. They support higher taxes
on the wealthy to pay for public programs. Republicans support tax cuts
for everyone (rich and poor alike). They consider higher tax rates on the
rich a form of class warfare.

Minimum Wage
Democrats favor increase in the minimum wage to help workers.
Republicans oppose raising the minimum wage because it hurts businesses.

Role of Government
One of the fundamental differences between Democratic and Republican
party ideals is around the role of government. Republicans favor a small
government both in terms of the number of people employed by the
government and in terms of the roles and responsibilities of government in
society. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a
government agency that many Republican presidential candidates love to
deride as an example of "useless" government agencies that they would
shut down.

Another example is the food stamps program. Republicans in Congress are

demanding cuts in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (or
SNAP), while Democrats want to expand this program. Democrats argue
that with unemployment rate high in the economy, many families need the
assistance provided by the program. Republicans argue that there is a lot of
fraud in the program that is wasting taxpayer dollars. They also want to
institute clauses that force beneficiaries of the program to take more
personal responsibility through measures such as mandatory drug testing,
and looking for a job.[1]

Civil Rights
Abraham Lincoln belonged to the Republican Party, so the roots of the
party are in individual freedom and the abolition of slavery. Indeed, 82% of
the Republicans in theU.S. Senate voted in favor of the Civil Rights Act of
1964 while only 69% of Democrats did. The Southern wing of the
Democratic party was vehemently opposed to civil rights legislation.

However, after the passage of the Civil Rights Act, there was a sort of role
reversal. Todd Purdum, author of An Idea Whose Time Has Come, a book
about the legislative maneuvering behind the passage of the Civil Rights
Act, says this in an interview with NPR:
SIEGEL: How much of the Republican Party in Congress
supported the civil rights bill as it still was? And how
many voted for cloture to break the filibuster?

PURDUM: Well, the final vote in the Senate for the bill
was 73 to 27, with 27 out of 33 Republican votes. So in
proportional terms, the Republicans supported this bill
much more than the Democrats did in both houses.

SIEGEL: A few weeks after Lyndon Johnson signed that bill

into law, as we heard at the beginning, the Republicans
go and they nominate Barry Goldwater for president, a
Republican who had voted against civil rights. And their
legacy is jettisoned at that moment.

PURDUM: In some important way that was the beginning of

changing the Republican Party from the party of Lincoln
into the party of white backlash which is, frankly,
reputation that in the South particularly endures to this
day, and has hurt the Republican Party as a national
brand in presidential elections.

Republicans believe that Purdum's point of view is misleading because

Goldwater supported previous attempts at passing a Civil Rights act, and
desegregation, but did not like the 1964 Act because he felt it infringed on
States' rights.

In any case, the present dynamic is that minorities like African Americans
andHispanics are more likely to vote Democratic than Republican.
However, there are prominent African American Republicans like Colin
Powell, Condoleezza Rice, Herman Cain, Clarence Thomas, Michael Steele
and Alan West, as well as Hispanics like Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Alberto
Gonzales and Brian Sandoval.
Voter ID laws

Civil liberties groups like the ACLU criticize the GOP for pushing for voter
ID laws Republicans believe these laws are necessary to prevent voter
fraud while Democrats claim that voter fraud is virtually non-existent and
that these laws disenfranchise black and Hispanic voters who tend to be
poorer and unable to obtain ID cards.
 Logos of the Democratic and Republican parties

Republican Party (GOP) logo

Democratic Party logo

Red states and Blue states list

Due to the TV coverage during some of the presidential elections in the
past, the color Red has become associated with the Republicans (as in Red
states the states where the Republican presidential nominee wins) and
Blue is associated with the Democrats.

The Democratic Party, once dominant in the Southeastern United States, is

now strongest in the Northeast (Mid-Atlantic and New England), Great
Lakes Region, as well as along the Pacific Coast (especially Coastal
California), including Hawaii. The Democrats are also strongest in
major cities. Recently, Democratic candidates have been faring better in
some southern states, such as Virginia, Arkansas, and Florida, and in the
Rocky Mountain states, especially Colorado, Montana, Nevada, and New
Mexico.
Since 1980, geographically the Republican "base" ("red states") is strongest
in the South and West, and weakest in the Northeast and the Pacific Coast.
The Republican Party's strongest focus of political influence lies in the
Great Plains states, particularly Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska, and in
the western states of Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah.

Famous Republican vs Democratic Presidents

Republicans have controlled the White House for 28 of the last 43 years
since Richard Nixon became president. Famous Democrat Presidents have
been Franklin Roosevelt, who pioneered the New Deal in America and
stood for 4 terms, John F. Kennedy, who presided over the Bay of Pigs
invasion and the Cuban missile crisis, and was assassinated in Office; Bill
Clinton, who was impeached by the House of Representatives; and Nobel
Peace Prize winners Barack Obama and Jimmy Carter.

Famous Republican Presidents include Abraham Lincoln, who abolished

slavery; Teddy Roosevelt, known for the Panama Canal; Ronald Reagan,
credited for ending the Cold War with Gorbachev; and the two Bush family
Presidents of recent times. Republican President Richard Nixon was forced
to resign over the Watergate scandal.

Control of the White House

This graphic shows which party controlled the White House since 1901.
You can find the list of Presidents on Wikipedia.

Republican vs Democratic Demographics

 The Pew Research Group, among others, regularly surveys American
citizens to determine party affiliation or support for various demographic
groups. Some of their latest results are below.

Partisan Advantages by Age

In general, support for the Democratic party is stronger among younger
voters. As the demographic gets older, support for the Republican party
rises.

Partisanship advantage by year of birth, as of 2014 (published by Pew Research)

 By Gender
In general, women lean Democratic while support among men is roughly
evenly split between the two parties.

Gender gap in party identification (Pew Research Group, 2015)

By Race
Support for parties can also vary significantly by ethnicity and race, with
African-Americans and Hispanics.
Party identification by race (Pew Research Group, 2015)

By Level of Education
 Support for the two parties also varies by level of education; support for the
Democratic party is stronger among college graduates and also among
people who have a high school diploma or less.

Party identification by level of education (Pew Research Group, 2015)

Democratic PartyFounded 1828
vs Republican PartyFounded 1854

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Chair
Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Reince Priebus
Senate Leader

Harry Reid

Mitch McConnell
House Leader

Nancy Pelosi

John A. Boehner
Founder
Andrew Jackson
Alvan E. Bovay
Website
Democratic Party (democrats.org)
Republican Party (gop.com)

Ideals and Philosophy

Ideals
Belief in a robust government.

Promotion of community and social responsibility.

Belief in a limited government.

Promotion of individual rights and justice.

Philosophy
American Liberalism

Modern Liberalism
 Progressivism

Conservatism

Fiscal Conservatism

Social Conservatism

Platform
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Platform (gop.com)

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Overview
Description
After sitting largely on the sidelines since 1994, Democrats took control in 2006 of both the
U.S. House and U.S. Senate from Republican control in a landslide. This sweep grew out of a
backlash to the unpopular Iraq War and a perceived culture of corruption on the Hill and
included a mixture of vocal progressives, some centrists, and a few conservatives... Show
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Republicans suffered a stinging defeat in 2006 when Democrats ousted them from both the
U.S. Senate and the U.S. House in a backlash to the unpopular Iraq War and a culture of
corruption on Capitol Hill. The party lost total control in 2008 when Democrats sent Barack
Obama to the presidency over Sen. John McCain. A weak national economy helped the GOP
come back strong in 2010, recapturing control of the U.S...Show More
Base States
State Year Admitted

California 1850

New York 1788

Illinois 1818

Pennsylvania 1787

Michigan 1837

New Jersey 1787

Washington 1889

Massachusetts 1788
State Year Admitted

Maryland 1788

Wisconsin 1848

Minnesota 1858

Oregon 1859

Connecticut 1778

Hawaii 1959

Maine 1820

Rhode Island 1790

Delaware 1787

Vermont 1791
State Year Admitted
State Year Admitted

Texas 1845

Georgia 1788

Arizona 1912

Tennessee 1796

Missouri 1821

Alabama 1819

South
1788
Carolina

Louisiana 1812

Kentucky 1792
State Year Admitted

Oklahoma 1907

Mississippi 1817

Arkansas 1836

Kansas 1861

Utah 1896

West
1863
Virginia

Nebraska 1867

Idaho 1890

Montana 1889

South
1889
Dakota

Alaska 1959

North
1889
Dakota

Wyoming 1890
State Year Admitted

Factions
Faction Description

Advocate a center-left
economic and left-wing
Progressive
social agenda. Generally
support g ... Show More

Generally advocate fair

Liberal trade, a less militaristic
foreign policy, and
Faction Description

social liberalism.

A critical component of
Organized the Democratic Party
Labor coalition that supplies a
great dea ... Show More

Generally share many of

the same economic and
Christian
social policy goals of
Left
mainstream ...Show
More

Share a common belief

in atheism, but otherwise
Secular represent a diverse
group that i ... Show
More

Support the Democratic

Party in many of its
Socialist policies in addition to
espousing a ...Show
More

More supportive of
using military force and
Centrist
reducing government
welfare.

Hold relatively
conservative social and
Conservative conservative views and
are generally fou ...Show
More

Made up of civil
liberties advocates and
Libertarian people against national
debt. Often sup ... Show
More
Faction Description
Faction Description

Carry views
favorable to
business, a
Traditionalist strong national
defense, and
the business
c... Show More

Call for a large

reduction in
government
Fiscal Conservative spending, free
trade, and less
economic
regulation.

Oppose
abortion and
same-sex
marriage, and
Social Conservative
support a
greater role of
religious
o ...Show More

Generally
socially and
culturally
conservative,
Paleoconservative
and carry non-
interventionist
vi ...Show
More

Promote an
interventionist
foreign policy
Neoconservative
to promote
democracy and
defend Israel.

Generally
Moderate fiscally
conservative
 Faction Description

and socially
moderate or
liberal, with
some
supp ... Show
More

Often support a
liberal-to-
moderate fiscal
Liberal
policy and
liberal social
causes.

Emphasize free
markets,
minimal social
controls, and
Libertarian
non-
interventionism
in foreign
policy.
Faction Description

Issues at a Glance
Support/Oppose
Abortion restrictions
Capital punishment
Civilian gun control
Immigration restrictions
Legalization of same-sex marriages
Limiting private financing of campaigns
Progressive taxation
Universal government health care
Abortion restrictions
Capital punishment
Civilian gun control
Immigration restrictions
Legalization of same-sex marriages
Limiting private financing of campaigns
Progressive taxation
 Universal government health care
Abortion
Generally pro-choice, supporting the mantra, "Safe, legal, rare."

Generally pro-life with emphasis on promoting alternatives to abortion.

Campaign Finance Reform

Favor more regulation with spending limits on individuals and corporations.

Generally support soft money contributions from individuals, but oppose contributions from
corporations.

Support full disclosure of campaign funding sources.

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.

A large majority of Republicans support the death penalty.

Economy
Favor minimum wages and progressive taxation i.e. higher tax rates for higher income
brackets.

Believe large deficit negatively affects government services and that low deficits stimulate
the economy.

Support free market competition and entrepreneurship, corporate deregulation and cutting
entitlement spending.

Believe taxes shouldn't be increased for anyone (including the wealthy) and that wages
should be set by the free market.

Education
Oppose vouchers.

Increase NCLB federal funding.

Enact new taxes to decrease class size and hire new teachers.

Promote school choice/vouchers and homeschooling.

Support voluntary student supported prayer in school.

Oppose gender and race quotas in colleges.

Energy
Wish to find environmentally friendly energy sources and solutions.

Oppose increased drilling, especially in the United States.

 Oppose Kyoto treaty.

Support tax incentives for energy production.

Environment
Generally put the interest of the environment over business.

Want to maintain federal land under government control.

Support privatizing federal land.

Believe in cap and trade market based air pollution reductions and that the market should
regulate itself.

Faith
Strict adherence to the separation of church and state.

Promote secular issues and a more secular nation.

Religion strongly associated with Republican party.

Advocate free exercise of religion.

Foreign Policy
Strongly support worldwide coalitions and multi-national programs.

Support aid for disadvantaged countries.

Support the UN.

Spread Democracy.

Support UN reform.

Want to stop WMD proliferation countries.

Believe that nations who support terrorists are just as bad as terrorists themselves.

Gay Rights
Generally support gay marriage, although Democrats remain largely divided on the issue, as
some only support civil unions.

Oppose gay marriage.

Support constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage.

Gun Control
Strict gun control.

Generally oppose the right to carry concealed weapons in public places.

Limited gun control.

Strong support of the Second Amendment as well as the right to carry concealed weapons
 Healthcare
Support more federally funded healthcare programs.

Keep healthcare private.

Would like to impose caps on malpractice suits.

Support reformed medicare to give seniors more choices.

Immigration
Support illegal aliens' ability and right to become citizens and giving them more protections
under the law.

Generally support closed or tight borders and tracking system for foreign travelers.

Jobs
Encourage businesses to keep jobs here and not outsource them overseas.

Support unions and advocates for the rights of low income workers.

Pro small business.

Support giving small businesses tax incentives so that more jobs can be created.

Legal Reform
Oppose tort reform and oppose limiting liability of doctors and/or businesses.

Support tort reform and limiting victims compensation, especially for frivolous lawsuits.

Security and Defense

Believe in a limited missile defense.

Oppose nuclear buildup in the United States.

Believe that peace is achieved through worldwide relationship building.

Believe in a proactive military and defense.

Support building weapons and technology that serve to protect our nation.

Believe that peace is achieved through strong defense.

Increase defense and research budget.

Social Security
Social security should remain a government sponsored insurance plan for retirees.

Social security should be privatized (not to be confused with private savings accounts, but
rather, private investments).

Tax Reform
Generally support raising taxes on the wealthy, lowering taxes for the middle class.
 Support tax cuts, low interest rates and the repeal of the death tax penalty in effort to
stimulate the economy.

People
Average Presidential Approval Rating
0%20%40%60%80%
Harry S. Truman
John F. Kennedy
Richard Nixon
Gerald Ford
Jimmy Carter
Ronald Reagan
Bill Clinton
Barack Obama
Democratic Party
Republican Party
Presidents
Years
in
Name Office

2009 -
6 years
Barack Obama
36
weeks

1993 -
Bill Clinton 2001
8 years

1977 -
Jimmy Carter 1981
4 years

1963 -
1969
Lyndon
5 years
Johnson 10
weeks

1961 -
1963
John F Kennedy 2 years
41
 Years
in
Name Office

weeks

1945 -
1953
Harry S Truman 7 years
41
weeks

1933 -
Franklin D. 1945
Roosevelt 12 years
5 weeks

1913 -
Woodrow
1921
Wilson 8 years

Grover 1893 -
Cleveland (2nd 1897
Term) 4 years

Grover 1885 -
Cleveland (1st 1889
Term) 4 years

Years
in
Name Office

See all Democratic Presidents of the United States

Years in
Name Office

2001 -
George W
2009
Bush 8 years
 Years in
Name Office

1989 -
George Bush
1993
Sr 4 years

1981 -
Ronald
1989
Reagan 8 years

1974 -
1977
Gerald Ford 2 years
26 weeks

1969 -
1974
Richard Nixon 5 years
26 weeks

1953 -
Dwight
1961
Eisenhower 8 years

1929 -
Herbert Clark
1933
Hoover 4 years

1923 -
Calvin 1929
Coolidge 5 years
31 weeks

1921 -
Warren G. 1923
Harding 2 years
20 weeks

1909 -
William
1913
Howard Taft 4 years
 Years in
Name Office

See all Republican Presidents of the United States

Members of Congress
Name Representing

Rep. John Michigan

Conyers Jr. 13th District

Rep. Charles New York

B. Rangel 13th District

Sen. Patrick J.
Vermont
Leahy

Rep. Richard Minnesota

M. Nolan 8th District

Rep. Steny H. Maryland

Hoyer 5th District

Rep. Jim Tennessee

Cooper 5th District

Rep. Marcy Ohio

Kaptur 9th District

Rep. Sander Michigan

M. Levin 9th District
Name Representing

Rep. Peter J. Indiana

Visclosky 1st District

Rep. John Georgia

Lewis 5th District

Representin
Name g
Name Representing

Rep. Don Alaska

Young At-large District

Sen. Orrin G.
Utah
Hatch

Sen. Thad
Mississippi
Cochran

Rep. F. James
Wisconsin
Sensenbrenner
5th District
Jr.

Sen. Chuck
Iowa
Grassley

Rep. Harold Kentucky

Rogers 5th District
 Name Representing

Rep.
New Jersey
Christopher
4th District
H. Smith

Sen. Mitch
Kentucky
McConnell

Rep. Joe Texas

Barton 6th District

Rep. Lamar Texas

Smith 21st District

Name Representing

Supreme Court Justices

Active
Name Service

2010 -
Present
Elena Kagan 5.1
years

2009 -
Sonia Present
Sotomayor 6.1
years

1994 -
Present
Stephen Breyer 21.3
years

1993 -
Ruth Bader Present
Ginsburg 22.2
years
 Active
Name Service

1971 -
Lewis Franklin 1987
Powell Jr. 15.7
years

1967 -
Thurgood 1991
Marshall 24
years

1965 -
1969
Abe Fortas 3.8
years

1962 -
Arthur Joseph 1965
Goldberg 2.9
years

1962 -
Byron Raymond 1993
White 31
years

1957 -
William Joseph 1990
Brennan Jr. 33
years
Active
Name Service

See all Democratic Supreme Court Justices

Active
Name Service

2005 -
Samuel Alito Present
9 years
 Active
Name Service

2005 -
John Roberts Present
10 years

1991 -
Clarence Present
Thomas 23.9
years

1990 -
2009
David Souter
18.9
years

1987 -
Anthony Present
Kennedy 27.6
years

1986 -
Antonin Scalia Present
29 years

1981 -
Sandra Day 2006
O'Connor 24.5
years

1975 -
John Paul 2010
Stevens 34.6
years

1971 -
William 2005
Rehnquist 33.9
years

1970 -
Harry Andrew
1994
Blackmun 24 years
 Active
Name Service

See all Republican Supreme Court Justices

Campaign Finance
National Committee Fundraising
2008201020122014$100M$150M$200M$250M$300M$350M$400M$450M
Democratic Party
Republican Party
2010

Democratic Party $224,457,439

Republican Party $196,336,722

Major Party Legislation

Recent Legislation
President
Type of Legislation

Title Description

Authorized $956
Agriculture Act billion in spending
of 2014 over the next ten
Type: years. The bill was
Economy/Jobs consid ... Show
More

Used as the vehicle

Continuing to resolve both the
Appropriations United States federal
Act, 2014 government
Type: Revenue shutdow... Show
More

Bipartisan
Set federal student
Student Loan
loan rates to
Certainty Act of
financial markets on
2013
all DIRECT student
Type:
loans ... Show More
Economy/Jobs
Title Description

Violence
Against Women
Reauthorization Reauthorized the
Act of 2013 VAWA of 1994
Type:
Society/Law

Temporarily
suspended the
No Budget, No
United States debt
Pay Act of 2013
ceiling from
Type: Revenue
February 4, 2013
until ...Show More

Addressed certain
American lasting provisions of
Taxpayer Relief the Bush Tax Cuts
Act of 2012 as a partial
Type: Revenue resolutio ...Show
More

Jumpstart Our Eased various

Business securities regulations
Startups Act to encourage
(JOBS Act) funding of small
Type: businesses in the
Economy/Jobs U.S.

Stop Trading
Prohibited the use of
on
non-public
Congressional
information for
Knowledge Act
private profit,
(STOCK Act)
including
Type:
insid ...Show More
Finance/Banking

Brought conclusion
Budget Control to the 2011 United
Act of 2011 States debt-ceiling
Type: Revenue crisis through the
int... Show More

James Zadroga Allocated $4.2

Title Description

9/11 Health and billion to create the

Compensation World Trade Center
Act of 2010 Health Program,
Type: Health which pr ...Show
More
Title Description

President
Type of Legislation

Title Description

Authorized the
Emergency
Secretary of the
Economic
Treasury to spend
Stabilization Act
up to $700 billion
of 2008 (Bailout)
to
Type:
purchase ...Show
Finance/Banking
More

Increased the
budget of the
Consumer
Consumer
Product Safety
Product Safety
Improvement Act
Commission
Type: Society/Law
(CPSC), imposed
n ... Show More

Authorized the
Housing and
Federal Housing
Economic
Administration to
Recovery Act of
guarantee up to
2008
$300 billion
Type: Housing
in ...Show More

Expanded the
Post-9/11 Veterans educational
Educational benefits for
Assistance Act of military veterans
2008 (New GI Bill) who have served
Type: Education since Se ...Show
More
Title Description

Provided for
Economic
several kinds of
Stimulus Act of
economic stimuli
2008
intended to boost
Type:
the United
Economy/Jobs
Stat ...Show More

Promoted
automobile fuel
Energy
economy,
Independence and
development of
Security Act of
biofuels, and
2007
energy
Type: Energy
efficiency... Show
More

U.S. Troop
Readiness,
Veterans' Care,
Renewed funding
Katrina Recovery,
for the Iraq War
and Iraq
and provided
Accountability
disaster relief
Appropriations
related to
Act
Hurricane Katrina
Type:
Defense/Foreign
Affairs

Called for the

construction of a
Secure Fence Act
700 mile physical
of 2006
barrier along the
Type: Immigration
Mexico-US
b ...Show More

Appropriated $10
Iran Freedom and million and
Support Act directed the
Type: President of the
Defense/Foreign United States to
Affairs spen ...Show
More

Protection of Prevented
Title Description

Lawful Commerce firearms

in Arms Act manufacturers
Type: Society/Law and dealers from
being held liable
for
negligen ...Show
More
Title Description

Affiliated Websites
Websites
Website

Democratic Congressional
Campaign Committee
(DCCC)

House Minority Leader

Nancy Pelosi

House Minority Whip Steny

Hoyer

Democratic Senatorial
Campaign Committee
(DSCC)

US Senate Democratic
Leadership

Democratic Governors
Association (DGA)
Website

Democratic Legislative
Campaign Committee

Young Democrats of America

(YDs)

College Democrats of
America ("College Dems")
Website

National Republican
Congressional Committee
(NRCC)

House Speaker John Boehner

House Republican
Conference

National Republican
Senatorial Committee
(NRSC)

Senate Minority Leader

Mitch McConnell

Republican Governors
Association (RGA)

National Federation of
Republican Women (NFRW)
 Website

Young Republican National

Federation (YRs)

College Republican National

Committee (CRNC)

National Teen Age

Republicans (TARs)

Party Headquarters
Address
430 South Capital Street SE
Washington, District of Columbia 20003
310 First Street SE
Washington, District of Columbia 20003

Datos de mapas 2015 Google

Trminos de uso
Mapa
Satlite
Website
Democratic Party (democrats.org)
Republican Party (gop.com)
Phone

(202) 863-8000

(202) 863-8500

User Reviews
Compare ReviewsDemocratic PartyRepublican Party

Wesley Hajek said 3 months ago:

VOTED FOR REPUBLICAN PARTY
This review is hidden because most of our users think it is not helpful. Show This Review

kelzkat45 said 10 months ago:

VOTED FOR REPUBLICAN PARTY
I am in the same boat as Republicans (more Conservative/Libertarian) in my economic and
most moral views. I strongly believe a rising tide raises all boats and the invisible hand theory. I
love our original economic system, capitalism, because it worked so well. We are now heading
towards a socialistic society while the rest of the world is running away from it. Socialism ...
Read more
Leave a Comment Was this helpful? Yes10 No14

wellis1947 said 13 months ago:

VOTED FOR DEMOCRATIC PARTY
In as much as ANY political party is better than any other, the democratic party has it over the
republican in directly addressing the issues and not distorting the truth. Truth (facts) was
essentially ignored completely by republicans in the 2012 presidential election. While the
democrats sometimes 'stretched' the truth, the republicans, as verified by the various ...
Read more
Was this helpful? Yes8 No6

kelzkat45
I have to disagree as far as Democrats clearly addressing the issues. Neither party will
seriously address the major issues for fear of losing votes, which is the only thing they are
after. If either party does bring up any type of issue, it is simply to point fingers at their
opponent and try to "steal" votes from them. Both major parties typically ignore the big
issues ... Read more
Reply to Conversation

wiseone13 said 13 months ago:

VOTED FOR DEMOCRATIC PARTY
The democratic party fight for all american. Americans must stand up to the Republican party
and that can only be achieved by voting for the Democratic party.
Was this helpful? Yes8 No10

kelzkat45
The democratic party fights for all Americans? The Constitution states that all elected leaders
are supposed to have our interest but still uphold the Constitution first. Lately, politicians have
been ignoring the Constitution to win votes, which is not at all what we need or should want.
You shouldn't vote for the Democratic party simply because of wanting to push ... Read more
Reply to Conversation

Mike Poggiali said 4 days ago:

RATED DEMOCRATIC PARTY 2.0

The Democratic Party is not as savvy at handling economic & fiscal spending, and not as
astute when it comes to handling defense & international relations. The Democratic Party is
more progressive than the Republican Party though, in respect to granting basic individual
rights and dealing with everyday domestic issues.
Leave a Comment Was this helpful? Yes No

Mike Poggiali said 4 days ago:

RATED REPUBLICAN PARTY 3.0

The Republican Party is better at handling economic & fiscal spending, and wiser at solving
defense & international relations. The Republican Party is less progressive than the
Democratic Party though, in respect to granting basic individual rights and dealing with
everyday domestic issues.
Leave a Comment Was this helpful? Yes No1

Joshua Navarro said 10 days ago:

RATED REPUBLICAN PARTY 5.0

The Republican Party is simultaneous with the American way and has been for a very long
time much like the Democratic Party has been and is. However these two parties give
Americans two very different choices in politics. I believe as a Republican that Americans
especially online whether you are an elephant, a donkey or neither we need to be able to
respect each other ... Read more
Leave a Comment Was this helpful? Yes1 No

Steven Borg said 3 months ago:

RATED REPUBLICAN PARTY 1.0

This review is hidden because most of our users think it is not helpful. Show This Review

updog said 8 months ago:

RATED REPUBLICAN PARTY 1.0

The Grand Old Party with great Preidents like Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt.
Somewhere they have lost their way and have become the party of stupid. Ike was the last
good Republican President. The party use to care about making America great and were
concerned about its citizens but now they only bow down to their corporate masters. The
affiliation with the tea ... Read more
Leave a Comment Was this helpful? Yes8 No14

shatterdpromiSes said 8 months ago:

RATED DEMOCRATIC PARTY 5.0

I loved seeing the positive changes in this particular party, hopefully it will continue to grow and
get better.
Leave a Comment Was this helpful? Yes5 No8

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TOP

15 Differences Between Democrats And

Republicans

Still think theres no difference between Democrats and Republicans?

Ive noticed over the years, there are some fundamental differences in the way Republican and
Democratic politicians think. Here are just 15 examples.

(1) Republicans fear that the government has too much control over
corporations. Democrats fear that corporations have too much control over our government.
(2) Democrats believe it benefits all of us to help the weakest and the poorest among
us. Republicans believe it benefits all of us to help the wealthiest and most powerful among us.
(3) Republicans believe large corporations will always do what is best for the American people if
the government stays out of the way. Democrats believe large corporations would disembowel you
and sell your organs to the highest bidder if the government didnt stop them.
(4) Democrats believe everyone is entitled to health care regardless of their ability to
pay. Republicans believe everyone is entitled to jack squat if they cant pay for health care.
(5) Democrats believe too much of our money goes to crooked corporate executives who take
government subsidies and pay themselves $80 million salaries. Republicans believe too much of
our money goes to teachers who make $30,000 a year.
(6) Democrats believe anything that helps the American people during a recession or a time of
crisis is the true essence of patriotism. Republicans believe anything that helps the American
people during a recession or a time of crisis is the true essence of communism.
(7) Democrats believe that we need to set high standards for clean air and drinking
water. Republicans believe that standards for clean air and water are burdensome over-
regulation.
(8) Democrats believe the President and Congress need to work together to create jobs during a
weak economy. Republicansbelieve that Congress should do nothing to create jobs and then
blame the President.
(9) Democrats believe that corporate polluters should be made to pay for the cleanup of their
pollution. Republicans believe that making corporations clean up their pollution is burdensome
over-regulation.
(10) Democrats believe our health care system exists solely for the purpose of making people
healthy. Republicans believe our health care system exists solely for the purpose of making a
healthy profit.
(11) Democrats believe Congress should be of the people, by the people and for the
people. Republicans believe corporations are the people.
(12) Democrats believe that corporations have too much influence over Congress due to their
lobbyists and huge campaign contributions. Republicans believe the middle class has too much
influence over Congress due to their voting and paying taxes.
(13) Democrats believe we need to protect victims of corporate negligence by allowing Americans
to file lawsuits against corporations. Republicans believe we need to protect large corporations
from lawsuits by Americans whove been victimized by them.
(14) Democrats believe that the rich should be taxed more than the poor and middle
class. Republicans believe that the rich should be allowed to keep all their wealth, except for the
millions in campaign contributions they give to politicians.
(15) Democrats believe that too much money in politics produces corruption and destroys the
American way of life. Republicansbelieve that money and corruption in politics are the American
way of life.
These are just my observations from a lifetime of watching Democratic and Republican politicians.
Im sure some Republican will come up with their own clever list.

Feel free to add any differences youve noticed between the two parties in the comments section
below