Christian Arakawa

10 October 2017
Research Log #3
EQ: What are the foundational differences between the primary political parties in America
Three points to prove #1: Each political party differs in their fiscal policies.
#2: Each party focuses on a specific voter base that drives its social issues.
#3: The political parties have different stances on the military and
diplomatic issues.
Point that this Source/Information Proves: #3: The political parties have different stances on
the military and diplomatic issues.

Excerpts (These should provide insight into the designated Point to Prove):
in our current fiscal environment, we must also make tough budgetary decisions across the board
— and that includes within the defense budget.” (D)
They believe that Republicans wish to overspend on the military, not that they wish to
underspend. For this reason, they seek defense budget cuts as a means of budget relief. (D)
“When America leads, it should be as a principled force for peace and prosperity in the world…
We believe the smart use of diplomacy, development, and economic statecraft can prevent crises,
foster stability, and make us safer.” (D)
The Republican Party believes strongly in an increased military defense budget. R
The RNC website explicitly invokes “American Exceptionalism,” an expression dating back to
the country’s Puritan roots. R

Analysis (How does this source support the Point to Prove?):

The Democrats and Republican Party have many different ideas when it comes to
military and diplomatic issues. When comparing the military, they both have the same idea;
however, when it comes to the budget, that’s where they are split. On diplomatic issues they are
two different minds. Each party has their own opinion on what is best for the safety and
protection of our nation.
The Democratic Party has the idea that the military is good in its current state. But due to
the rising cost in the "fiscal environment" on the military, the Democrats say there has to be
budget cuts in order to keep the military's budget where it is right now. The Democrats support
the expansion of the military but to keep in running (while adding more money every fiscal year)
there has to be budget cuts to other departments. When talking about diplomatic issues the
Democrats would rather have good ties and strong relations with other countries. This would
allow America and their country to work together rather than arguing on certain issues.
The Republican Party has the idea that the military is good but it's not great. The
Republican party believes in expanding the military even further. This would mean the tax
payers would have to spend billions more on the military. This would call for budget cuts.
However, when this happens, the Republican party tends to cut the living hell out of departments
that need the money (ex, Education, State Department, etc.). When talking about diplomatic
issues, the Republican party tends to favor a small central government while focusing on
"America first". The Republican party will make diplomatic issues but focus of policys that
benefit and put "America first".
Source
McElwee, Sean. "The Republican Party and the Defense Budget Platform". Washington
Monthly 10 October 2012 http://washingtonmonthly.com/2012/10/10/the- republican-
party-and-the-defense-budget-problem/ accessed 10 October 2017