Republicans and Democrats

Liberals vs. Conservatives

• Liberal• believe in government

action to achieve equal opportunity and equality for all

• government should guarantee that no one is in need

• Government should help individuals solve their problems

• Conservatives• believe in personal

responsibility, limited government,

• Individuals should solve their own problems

Republican Party• Symbol – Elephant

– Why?– Came from an 1874 political

cartoon that depicted a Democratic donkey scaring a Republican elephant

• Nickname – GOP

• Color – Red

• Conservative

Democratic Party

• Symbol – Donkey– Why?

• Used by opponents in 1828 to insult Andrew Jackson (saying he was stubborn like a donkey)

• Color – Blue

• Liberal

Goals for America

Republicans

• Less government spending

• Smaller National Government

• Lower taxes for EVERYONE (including the wealthy)

• Conservative

Democrats

• Bigger government

• More government spending

• Lower taxes for poor, higher taxes for rich

• Liberal

Issues

Military

Republicans

• STRONG military even if it means more $$$

Democrats

• Decrease military spending and strengthen international organizations like NATO and the UN.

• Scale back our military

Gun Control

Republicans

• Guns should be available to law abiding citizens

• Support your rights to carry concealed weapons in public

Democrats

• Want to restrict guns (THEY DO NOT WANT TO GET RID OF ALL WEAPONS)

• Favor gun control laws • Restrict carrying concealed weapons• Want strict laws regarding who can purchase guns

(mentally ill, convicted felons)

Global Warming

Republicans

• Climate change might be real, but it’s just natural

• Fighting global warming is not a large priority

Democrats

• Americans should change their lifestyles to help battle global warming

Same Sex Couples

Republicans

• Hold the view that marriage should be between a man and a woman

Democrats

• Usually support rights for same sex couples

• Believe it is OK for someone to be with whomever they choose

Minimum Wage

Republicans

• Believes the free market should determine wages.

• No/Less government involvement in the economy

Democrats

• Believes a living wage above the poverty line should be given

Death Penalty

Republicans

• Necessary punishment

Democrats

• Do not believe life should be taken as punishment

• Only should be used if there is no doubt that this person committed the crime

Illegal Immigration

Republicans

• Illegal immigrants should return to their home country and enter the USA legally

Democrats

• Illegal immigrants should be given a way to get their citizenship

Education

Republicans

• Students should be allowed to choose which school they attend

• Help people pay for cost of attending private schools that can’t afford it

• Schools should be held accountable for student learning (ex: PSSA’s)

Democrats

• Students should attend nearest school to their home.

College

Republicans

• Our government should not be helping students pay for college

Democrats

• Everyone should have the opportunity to attend college

• Government should help pay if necessary

Abortion

Republicans

• Government should protect the unborn child’s life

Democrats

• Women should have the right to choose.

• It is a woman’s body therefore it is her choice.