Comparison and Contrast of Republican and Democrats - Assignment Example

There are many different opinions on issues between Republicans and Democrats. The opinions range from health care, taxes, military, abortion and foreign policy. There has been a long history between the two parties. The history dates back to the late 1700’s and middle 1800’s. The founding of the two parties marked the beginning of the debating. Americans were forced to choose sides. The side that you chose says a lot about what your beliefs, values and your difference in philosophy are. The Republicans are generally considered conservative, pro business and against bureaucracy.

The party was founded in 1854 by President Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican President during the anti-slavery expansion and American Civil War. Republicans follow traditional values which focuses on unified families such as biblical foundations, moral codes and values that are passed down from generation to generation. The Democrats are liberal and favor, government, society, equality, are against discrimination and environmentally conscious. The foundation of the Democratic Party dates back to before American independence from British Rule in 1792, and was organized by Thomas Jefferson.

Democrats believe in each having an obligation in our community, each other and family. They pay remembrance to ancestors, slavery, immigrants and the belief that status and wealth does not entitle one to rule. Republicans are strong in Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma whereas, Democrats are strong in California and Massachusetts. Economically the Republicans favor that taxes should not be increased for anyone especially the wealthy and wages should reflect the market. Democrats on the other hand favor the poor, minimum wages and tax increase in the wealthy.

Democrats are the right end of the spectrum while the Republicans are the left. This means if you are far right you are pro-religion, anti bureaucracy and for business and the far left extreme liberal, active role in government, opportunity and equality. The most controversy is their stand on ideas. Democrats prefer to decrease military spending, would like more gun control laws and believe it is the woman’s right to choose life. Also, individuals have the rights (civil rights) for gay rights (meaning same sex marriage), that the death penalty is not necessarily a crime control method and tax increase to cover public programs.

On the other hand the Republicans prefer military spending, oppose gun control laws, believe that the woman’s right to choose should not be legal, believe that marriage should be between a man and woman and not the same sex. They consider the death penalty necessity to fight crime, support tax cuts and oppose raising minimum wages because it may hurt businesses. The two parties differ like day and night. There are many clear differences between the Republican and the Democratic Party. However, there are some things that they share in common and that is the strong belief in our nation and what we can accomplish together.

When there is a disaster we seem to pull together as one and forget our differences. There seems to be a need for different sides, with no choices we would not be the land of the free. With different sides, creates a need for different viewpoints and standpoints when it comes to politics. There could not be just one way with our Western culture growing and thriving on our free choice.