The American political system is one of the most advanced democratic systems in the world. The American political system is party based. The two main dominant political parties that have controlled the presidency and Congress are Democratic Party and Republican Party. It is worth noting that these two political parties have won all presidential election in the U.S.A since the year 1856. American politics is largely issue based; principled and objectively focused. It therefore follows that the two main dominant parties have different ideologies that reflects the ideals and principles of its members. The members do subscribe and believe in different principles. On the surface, the Democrats appear as socially sensitive and liberal in nature while their Republican counterparts are conservative and staunch believers in unrestricted economic individualism. However, it should be appreciated that both party members share common purpose. They are patriotic and loyal to the United States of America .
Republicans and Democrats
The American political system is essentially dominated by two main political parties. Since the democracy of America began, the institution of the presidency and congress has been dominated by either of the two political parties. The party membership is based on the subscription to the beliefs and ideals that found the Basis of the party. It should be appreciated that American politics is largely issue based, principled and objectively focused .
Similarities
The democrats and the republicans have few shared characteristics and principles. For starters, being American citizens, members of both parties show patriotism and loyalty to the United States of America. They serve in the military, government and other organizations with patriotism to the United States of America. In addition, both members believe in democracy and are essentially democratic. The American democracy has thrived mainly because the citizenry, both Democrats and Republicans believe in the rule of law and natural justice.
Differences
On the other hand, there are a litany of issues and principles that inform the differences between Republicans and Democrats. For instance, from a philosophical point of view, Democrats have adopted liberal stances while the Republicans are largely conservatives. This implies that Democrats approach issues and situations with liberal attitudes while the Republicans approach the same with conservative attitudes. Further, the Republicans believe in free markets and economic individualism that has no regulation or control by the Central Government. As such, they support fully liberalized and free markets devoid of any form of taxation. They believe the government should not intervene in the market and simply provide a chance for perfect competition. Noteworthy is the fact that Republicans oppose the practice taxation of the wealthy for the upkeep of the poor. On the other hand, democrats believe in a controlled and regulated free market. They believe government has a role to play in the market for the social welfare of the poor. As such, the Democrats believe that government ought to employ progressive tax systems that essential redistributes high income concentrated in the wealthy to the poor folks .
In addition, the Democrats believe in the minimum wage system where the government sets the lower limit that any employed worker ought to be paid by his employer. The crux of the matter from an economic perspective is that while the Republicans believe in a free market without necessary controls to capitalism, Democrats take a socially sensitive approach that advocates for the regulation and control of the free markets. Another fundamental principle that differentiates the two parties is the military spending and operations. The Democrats prefer minimum and reduced spending on the military. Their Republican counterparts prefer maximum and increased military spending .
The Democrats liberalism and the Republicans conservatism are revealed in their views on the death penalty, homosexuality and abortion. Democrats hold liberal opinions on the three issues. In fact, they oppose the death penalty terming it an attack on the sanctity of life. They have also endorsed homosexuality and do believe the affected persons need to be allowed their rights granted to them by the constitution. Finally, the Democrats are prochoice. They believe should be allowed to make a personal decision to abort or not. The Republicans approach the three issues conservatively. They do support the death penalty employing the ancient concept of a tooth for a tooth. They oppose homosexuality and believe such human beings are societal misfits. Finally, they are prolife believing that the right to life belongs to each and every human being and that life begins at conception .
Summary
The main difference between Democrats and Republicans lies in their economic and social inclinations. The Democrats are liberal and socially sensitive while the Republicans are conservative and believers in economic individualism.
References
McKay, D. (2009). American Politics and Society (7, illustrated ed.). New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Storey, W. (2007). US Government and Politics (illustrated ed.). Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
