Throughout history, Republicans and Democrats have known to emphasize the differences between their parties and policies. Although there are similarities between the parties, they tend to be overshadowed by individual party ideologies. With so many fundamental differences between the parties, finding topics or issues upon which constituents agree upon can at times be somewhat difficult. Although there are chasms between the voting practices of the parties, there are also some fundamental similarities as well.
Both Republicans and Democrats have unequivocal pockets of political support. When running for office, votes come from various sectors of society: different races, ethnic groups, genders and religions. African-Americans, Puerto Ricans and Mexicans tend to vote for Democrats while Cubans and Caucasians tend to vote for Republicans. The Jewish communities along with agnostic individuals tend to support the Democratic candidates. Protestant and Evangelicals often side with Republicans candidates. The Republican Party seems to be fueled by male support, while the Democratic Party seems to be supported by women constituents.
These statistics are not absolute but based on most recent elections they are more probable than not. The basic difference between the two parties is that Republicans tend to follow a conservative philosophy, while Democrats tend to follow a liberal philosophy. Democrats might say that the proper role for government is to regulate and oversee the economy. Democrats also might say that the proper for government to ensure that individuals manage their finances responsibly and companies operate ethically. A Republican might say that the proper role for government is to regulate and oversee individual morality.
Democrats believe in a larger government where tax plans may be implemented which may help the under privileged. Republicans want less government interference, while holding economic equity above equality. Republicans strongly believe in property rights and are less concerned in welfare rights. Democrats express that the values America supports must evolve over time, and therefore tend to support controversial issues such same-sex marriage and abortion. Republicans values tend to be religious in nature which means Republicans will most likely disapprove of abortions for any reason and disagree with same-sex marriage.
In today’s society the majority of American taxpayers want to know which party gives them the most “bang for their buck. ” The Democrats favor the Keynesian theory, which suggests managing the economy by keeping it on an even keel and avoiding fluctuations in the business cycle. This theory suggests stimulating the economy by putting money in the hands of consumers to trigger demand. This would increase government spending and possibly cut taxes in the process. On the contrary, Republicans tend to favor the Supply Side theory.
This theory suggests economic stimulation can be achieved by focusing on increasing supply rather than demand. In other words, if companies make it, consumers buy it. Though the arguments tend to start with differences between both political parties, the two parties do have some things in common. Both Democrats and Republicans want to win, and win by a landslide. Democrats and Republicans both elect a candidate to represent their party in local and national elections. Along with wanting to please the public, both parties advocate their policies.
The donkey and elephant used as mascots were both chosen for their negative qualities, such as stubbornness and arbitrary destruction, respectively. Later the iconic animals were adopted for their positive attributes. Both parties share the belief that it is America’s duty to enlighten the less developed world to the virtues of American-style capitalism and democracy. Since the time of America’s founding fathers, the complete political system has evolved. Although these two parties can be in agreement, their differences in fundamental beliefs, governmental policy and individual ideologies outweigh their similarities.
