Free Custom «Democrats and Republicans» Essay Paper

The Democratic Party originated from the anti-federalist factions when the USA got its independence from the British rule. These factions soon became known as the Democratic-Republican Party. Eminent political scientists primarily used this name for the first Republican Party of the United States. It was established in 1792 by the influential critics of the Federalist Party, James Madison and Thomas Jefferson. Thus, the more conservative Republican Party is younger than the liberal Democratic Party that was founded in 1828. Established in 1854 by anti-slavery modernizers and supporters, Republicans became prominent when Abraham Lincoln was elected as the first Republican president. Despite the fact that these parties have something in common, the liberal Democrats underscore the nation’s interests and the government that promotes these interests while the conservative Republican Party emphasizes on the efforts of individual citizens and their families calling on the government to stay away and not interfere with the state.

 

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The two leading American parties often disagree with each other since they propose different solutions to the problems. However, they can find common grounds when discussing broader themes. One of the points that the parties have in common is their belief that the USA is not in good position nowadays. The same as Republican Party wants to introduce changes, the Democrats are willing to alter the positions of the USA in foreign and domestic relations. However, the Republican Party has a traditional outlook and considers that the past period approaches will improve the situation. Yet, the Democrats are progressive in looking toward the future changes. The fact is that Republicans want immediate changes. Their intentions are strongly supported by the Democrats, as well. Further, a noticeable similarity lays in the fact that these two elite parties believe in mutually respectful relationships between adults and children. The adult people expect their children to become successful in the career. Thus, the vision of how to raise American children is common for the Democratic and Republican parties. Both parties agree that communities based on morality and ethics are the best for the United States. Basic ideas of each party have a common ground. The above-mentioned principle by Democrats or Republicans is an absolute proof that they have similar features.

Nevertheless, according to Clark and Prysby, the growing ideological polarization between the leading U.S. parties is that officials from Republican and Democratic parties are often found on the opposite sides of the critical issues (118). The main differences between Democrats and Republicans are reflected in implementing tax policy, gun control, Medicare and Social Security entitlements, the governmental functions, regulating gay and abortion rights, health care, and immigration. Two elite political parties continue to dominate on the political landscape of America, despite the fact that they significantly differ in their ideals, views, and philosophies. Democrats favor progressive taxation and minimum wages. Over time, anti-federalist party ideals have evolved, focusing more on the state regulation. On the contrary, Republicans are conservative. Therefore, the party’s agenda is based on the U.S. conservatism (Grigsby 106) in contrast to Democrats, who support modern American liberalism. Whereas Democrats consider that those who get higher incomes should pay higher taxes, the Republican economic ideas are based on the belief that taxes should not be raised for anybody, including rich people. Moreover, free market must set wages.

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Despite many differences in views between the Republican and Democratic parties on particular issues, a generalization of their position on some of them is observed. Democrats are typically known as big supporters of providing a wide range of the essential social services in the country. Republicans emphasize on a limited impact of the government and advocate for a foreign policy as a dominant component of the politics. According to Quirk and Binder, the Democratic Party is on the left end while Republicans are on the right end of the political arena (152). In general, the far right side favors religion, military, and personal responsibility.

From a social and fiscal point of view, a conservative Republican Party is quite pious. It advocates business and opposes bureaucracy. For Republicans, big government is wasteful, and it is considered to be an obstacle in reaching goals. Their Darwinian approach is based on the vision that strong people must survive. On the contrary, the extreme liberal Democrats are far left. Every democrat supports an active government role and believes that involvement in public social life including anti-discrimination legislation and environmental regulations can enhance the quality of citizens’ life and help achieve equality and provide opportunities. Yet, the Republican Party favors a limited government role and believes that reliance on the private sector including individuals and business structures can improve productivity, achieve self-sufficiency and freedom.

Democrats and Republicans continue to have a different position on various controversial challenges. It is necessary to note that there are many policymakers in each of these parties who have nuanced and different ideas, broadly generalized views and various views on significant issues. Philosophy of the Republicans leans more towards responsibility, individual freedoms, and human rights. In contrast, the Democrats pay attention to community, social responsibilities, and equality. Since the legendary President Lincoln belonged to the Republican Party, the party’s roots are in the abolition of slavery and individual freedom. According to Person, while only 69% of Democrats supported the Civil Rights Act in 1964, 82% of Republicans favored the Act in the American Senate. The Southern Democratic wing vehemently opposed laws concerning civil rights (2013).

It should be noted that the Republican Party prefers to increase military expenses and has a tough stance against such countries as Iran with a high tendency to the military interference. Democrats, on the contrary, prefer to reduce military spending. The Democratic Party seems reluctant to use the military force against Libya, Iran and Syria. While Democrats support strict gun control laws and oppose carrying concealed weapons in public, the Republican Party opposes these laws actively supporting the right to bear weapons.