Political Ideologies What are the differences between Republicans

Political Ideologies What are the differences between Republicans and Democrats today? Ideology: a system of ideas and ideals.

Democrats Today the Democrats are commonly perceived as the party of big government, civil rights, women’s rights, environmentalism, the poor, and pacifism (slow to go to war).

Republicans Today! The Republican party today tends to support public policies that limit the size of government and cut taxes. Typically, they are generally opposed to the legalization of abortion (pro-life), and vote against programs to increase the size of the welfare state.

The Economy and Taxes Democrats l Are generally Republicans l Are generally in favor of large government and a a smaller government progressive tax system l Vehemently against in which the wealthy raising taxes even if it pay a larger share than means a budget deficit the poor l Tend to believe in a balanced budget and are willing to raise taxes if needed

National Defense and Security Democrats l Tend to cut the military budget l Generally want to avoid American military intervention unless supported by the United Nations l Tend to believe in diplomacy and are slow to go to war Republicans l Believe in a strong military and are willing to pay for it with government money l Believe in confronting American enemies with or without UN support l Believe in using military intervention when American interests or security is threatened more quickly than Democrats

Entitlements- Welfare, Medicaid, Social Security, Health Care Democrats l Generally think that the government should provide a broad safety net (health care, education, welfare, food stamps) for the poor and others. l They generally think these policies help the common good and are compassionate. Republicans l Generally think the government should limit or reduce the safety net for the poor. l They believe that private businesses and non-profit charities can provide the same services.

Crime and Punishment Democrats l Tend to focus on rehabilitation programs over long prison sentences for convicted criminals l Usually against the death penalty l Focus on rights of the accused Republicans l Tend to focus on prison sentences as a deterrent to crime l Usually for the death penalty l Usually for stiffer penalties for convicted criminals

Environmental Protection Democrats l Favor stricter regulations on businesses to protect the environment l Believe global warming is a real threat Republicans l Favor fewer restrictions on businesses in the hopes that wealthier companies will be able to be more environmental l Many do not believe global warming is a real threat

Energy Policy Democrats l Focus on researching alternative energy sources for the future Republicans l Focus on securing existing energy sources (such as oil, coal, and natural gas) for the present and future

Immigration Democrats l Favor looser immigration laws l Some favor “Amnesty” for illegals already in the country Republicans l Favor stricter immigration laws & a southern wall l Some favor punishment or deportation for illegals already in the country

Political Platform: the aims & principles of a political party. Political Plank: ONE of the MANY stated principles of the political platform of a party.

After choosing three issues, use the following equation to write a position, or plank, for each Plank = (action) to (goal)

Education l Example: n Install jammers that block cell phone signals in schools to increase student engagement & learning.

Immigration l Example: n Build a huge wall along the southern border to decrease illegal immigration into the United States.

Write a plank for each issue, then explain why it is important to your platform. Plank = (action) to (goal) Issue 1: _______ Plank: _________________________________ Why is it important? _____________________________