Comparing Two Political Parties

Running head: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO MAIN POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE US 1

Differences Between the Two Main Political Parties in the US
Yanyan Niu
Stevens-Henager College

Author Note Yanyan Niu, Master of Nursing Administration, Stevens-Henager College. Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to International Student Department, Stevens-Henager College. Contact: [e-mail]

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO MAIN POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE US2
Abstract
This paper explores differences between the democratic and the republican parties in the US from main aspects: international role and relations, the economy and social issues. One is a jackass and one is an elephant. Democrats today say the donkey is smart and brave, while Republicans say the elephant is strong and dignified. Keywords: differences, two main political parties, US

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO MAIN POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE US3 Differences Between the Two Main Political Parties in the US The US politics has two major parties - the Republicans and the Democrats. These two parties play a very important role in the
government, they are a source of ideas for public policy, and they legally oppose each other, forcing compromises of ideas that are beneficial to the people of the United States of America. Here we look at the differences in the policies of the two parties. Both political parties take very different stances on important issues since one is a jackass and one is an elephant. Donkey and Elephant as Political Symbols, one is dumb and stubborn, and the other is thick-skinned and slow moving. Democrats today say the donkey is smart and brave, while Republicans say the elephant is strong and dignified. (Fact Monster, 2008) On the issue of international role and relations, the Democratic and Republican Parties have two opposing ideologies and approaches in their own distinct manner. Democrats favor a greater involvement for the US in multilateral arrangements and institutions, advocate alliance formation, engage with the USA's closest competitors, accept a greater role in Asia (especially northeast Asia) to check the rise of China. The Republicans is prudent to maintain links with all states for further the war on terror, promote democracy in Africa and Asia, make sound political sense to safeguard America's national interests. Democrats say that the United States should use military force without any assistance from other nations whenever it believes there is a threat to its security or welfare. They believe the United States

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO MAIN POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE US3 should act in the international arena in concert with strong alliances and broad international support. Republicans believe that the United States should intervene unilaterally if its national interests are at stake regardless of world opinion.

With regard to the economy, Republicans favor tax cuts. Democrats are opposed to it saying that the tax revenues are used to help the neediest. Democrats want the government to pay for universal health care. Democrats call for “a research and development tax credit; a low income housing tax credit; [and] a long term capital gains proposal for new businesses and business expansions” (Bill Clinton, 1992). Republicans call for a capital gains cut, and investment allowance and a tax break for first-time homebuyers. They want the individual or companies to pay for it. Republicans want more money to be spent on national defense than the Democrats. Democrats favor a higher minimum wage while the Republicans are opposed to it. Republicans believe that minimum wage increases hurt many businesses by forcing them to cut jobs and services as well as raise the prices of goods to compensate for the decrease in profit. This hurts the poor the most, who have the least number of options when prices rise, and/or when jobs and services are cut.

Democratic Party takes a much more liberal stance of the two on social issues like civil rights, right to choice, gay rights, poverty and AIDS. Democrats support the right of abortion. They argue that women should have a right on their bodies. This is called

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO MAIN POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE US4 the ‘pro-choice’ stance. Republicans follow a conservative policy which is opposed to abortion. This is called the ‘pro-life’ stance. Republicans are opposed to same-sex marriage. Democrats want to legalize it. Democrats support stem cell research. The Republicans are opposed to it. The Republican supports stricter immigration laws and border controls than the Democrats.

Democrats view climate change to be a great challenge, they propose investments in renewable sources of energy, cutting electricity consumption, increasing fuel-efficiency for vehicles, advancing bio-fuels.
Republicans view it as a national security challenge for the USA. They propose to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, by using nuclear energy and reducing dependence of foreign oil. Republicans believe that strict environmental standards hurt businesses and hence support reductions in environmental regulations. The Democrats believe that the health of families and the strength of the economy depend on proper governance of the environment. Democrats feel that a sensible energy policy and a cleaner environment are necessary for a strong economy. (Prabhakar Pillai,
2010)

Democrats think government is good, so they get elected and increase the size of it as often and as much as they can. Republicans think government is bad, so they get elected, and prove it.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO MAIN POLITICAL PARTIES IN THE US5 Reference
Fact Monster/Information Please® Database, © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc.
Bill Clinton.（1992）.First debate of presidential candidate. Wiki answers
Prabhakar Pillai. (2010). What are the main differences between the democratic and republican party.