Political Science - Essay Example

College: Political Science The Republican and Democratic parties are the two major political parties in America. Despite the parties’ dominance over the American political landscape, they differ significantly in their ideals, philosophies and policy stands. Their differences vary widely and range from basic aspects like business development in the U.S. to highly controversial issues like healthcare and immigration. It is these differences that fuel frequent political debates and standoffs, when it comes to advocacy for certain bills or enactment of draft statutes. While some might think that the disparity is unhealthy, others might contend that it is the rift between the two parties that makes America an exemplary democracy model and fosters development of a politically informed electorate. This paper examines the different policy positions of America’s Republican and Democratic parties, with particular focus on immigration, taxation and healthcare. Prior to delving into the differing policy stances of the Republicans and Democrats, it is imperative to first understand their fundamental differences. Republicans are essentially the right wing of the American political spectrum, while Democrats occupy the left wing. The right end is characterized by advocacy for religion, military support, anti-bureaucracy as a result of a relatively small government, and support for personal responsibility, as opposed to community reliance. Republicans also advocate for lower government influence and a strict foreign policy that supports military action against governments that do not conform to America’s ideals. They also perceive big governments as wastage of national resources and insist that limited government participating in issues could foster economic productivity, individual freedom and ultimately self-reliance. Unlike Republicans, Democrats are deemed to be more liberal since they favor a political philosophy of progress and reform, as well as, the protection of civil liberties. They also have a tendency to favor government’s active involvement in societal issues. This is because; Democrats uphold the belief that with such participation, whether in campaigning for anti-discrimination or in enforcing environmental regulations, the government can enhance the quality of life for American citizens and foster equality (Democrats n.pg). Clearly, the Republicans and Democrats are ideologically different. This difference extends to policy positions on matters crucial to the welfare of the American public. Of particular interest are the parties’ contravening outlooks on immigration. The latter has been one of the most controversial issues in the contemporary American society. The Republicans take a strict stance on immigration, and argue that the current administration’s leniency and advocacy for immigration undermine the American rule of law (Democrats n.pg). Further, the Republican Party contends that the country should only allow legal immigration through tightly regulated borders. The Republicans are also of the opinion that illegal immigrants undermine the country’s values, culture and pose a threat, both economically and in regard to security, to American citizens. Republicans are also opposed to immigration reform that advocates for issuance of amnesty, since they think this perpetuates violation of the law. In contrast, the Democratic Party champions for immigration reform that not only enforces the law, but also protects undocumented immigrants and enables them acquire skills that would validate their citizenship eligibility. Despite their differences on immigration policy, the two parties support deportation of criminal aliens, which shows that they are united on the law enforcement front (Thal and Gullixson n.pg). The other major disparity between the two parties in terms of policies is the Tax policy. This is a policy that has had major diversity in ideologies expressed by the two parties. First, the Democrats stand on the tax policy is to have a more insistent approach towards taxing people with high income (Democrats n.pg). For instance if an individual earn more than two hundred and fifty thousand dollars then the individual should assist in balancing the budget and paying different programs . The democrats argue that if it raises certain taxes, then the government will have money to spend and work on generating business. It’s the democrats believe that the government is supposed to subsidize fundamental services which helps in keeping the states, cities and the entire country running. Additionally, the democrat rallies for tax cuts for the middle class people. In general, the democrats argue that their tax policy will benefit the small business enterprises and as well as the law income earners (Barton n.pg). Contrarily, the Republican Party has a different approach on the tax policy. This is because they believe in keeping lower taxes for people that make more money every year. However, their aim is to balance the budget by keeping government expenditure at a minimum. This is why the Republican Party asserts that the government is supposed to tax people in order to raise money for essential functions only. Additionally, if the government should spend money, then it should be only for enforcing contracts, maintaining essential infrastructure as well as enhancing national security. This is because the Republican Party believes that the money spent by the government belongs to the taxpayers. The republicans also believe that tax relief is the best way to grow the American economy. Therefore, republicans would reduce taxes on businesses which would lead to growth and more employment. Moreover, the Republicans aims to limit personal income tax so that people can have much money to save, invest, and spend (Barton n.pg). The other principal difference in policy formulation between the two key parties in America is the Health Care policy. The healthcare policy issue of healthcare is vastly dissimilar. According to Parla (3), the Democrats believe that there is supposed to be a single payer system. This means that all Americans are supposed to pay the same amount of money for healthcare despite ones income. This is why; they rally for the government to be given the responsibility of covering all the citizens. Additionally, the democrats would like to have control as well as regulations regarding medication pricing. The Democrats are advocating for a more reasonably priced option for individuals who do not have the capability to afford health insurance. Therefore, the government would cover a part of the extra costs in the hospitals as well as the doctor charges. On the other hand, the Republican Party believes that health insurance privatization should be the best policy. This is one of the policy discussion that has had acute controversy from the two parties and finding a universal ground has been one the hardest thing. Currently, numerous Republican states are challenging the democrat’s health care policy by using legal means. Nevertheless, some states like Massachusetts are already using a health policy that bears a lot of similarities to the Democrats healthcare policy. However, the republicans believe that their policy will revamp and cut wasteful spending that is being experience n the current system (Parla 3). In conclusion¸ it is apparent that the Republican and Democratic parties differ on immigration, taxation and healthcare policies. Each party is evidently adamant that their position is the best for the American citizens and their interests. For instance, in regard to immigration, the Republican Party believes that it is safeguarding the welfare of Americans, while the Democratic Party also upholds the belief that the productive immigrants also need protection. Both parties’ justifications seem valid, clearly showing that the opposing perspectives, as well as, the checks and balances foster the positive functioning of the American political system. Works Cited Democrats. Immigration Reform. 2013. Web. 9 March 2014. Thal, Steven and Gullixson, Kirsten. Republican and Democratic Immigration Platforms and Policies: A Timely Look Before The Upcoming Election. 2014. Web. 9 March 2014. Barton, Stephanie. Parties for Taxes: Republicans vs. Democrats. 2010. Web. 9 March 2014. Parla, Kristen. Democratic versus Republican Perspectives. 2008. Web. 9 March 2014. Read More