Comparison of Democratic and Republican Ideals - Research Paper Example

Introduction The United States of America has a long and colorful political history despite the fact that it is a fairly young country. Most of the surviving political parties are thumping their chests over flamboyant political figures that have revolutionized today’s Democratic and Republic parties. The differing Americans, with differing backgrounds, living in differing regions of the country jointly appear divided evenly between the conservative Republic ideology and the more liberal Democratic principles. This is judging by the results of the recently carried out elections whereby the electorate splits more evenly between the two parties. A review of the chief issues of the day obviously indicates this divide; a nation that has been split evenly with debate on key issues of the day in a way that would most likely please our Founding Fathers. Party background In 1792, over 200 years ago, Thomas Jefferson founded the Democratic Party. According to the Democratic Party principles, the party is committed to helping the alienated, the disfranchised and the poor through provision of a government framework that provides them with the opportunity to earn a piece of the American Dream (2008). In this regard, the Democrats pledge to provide a stable government that is relevant to all aspects of human need. The fort of Democratic Party, thus, rests on the strength and power of socially diverse citizens. In the 1800s, the Democratic Party competed with various political parties. It flourished in the 1900s with famous democratic presidents serving the people, for instance, Franklin Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, John F. Kennedy and the current President Barack Obama. Due to its long history of protection of interests of the working Americans, the party has remained one of the two surviving major parties in the U.S. The Republican Party was founded in the 1850s. Its first president was Abraham Lincoln. He advocated noninterference of the government in whatever people did. They held on to the White House for about 60 of the next 100 years and have since survived as one of today’s two major parties. Modern day ideologies of the Republican can be demonstrated by the presidency of Ronald Reagan. When he assumed power in the early 1980s, Americans were in an economic recession with a series of policy failures in 1970s. He initiated large tax decreases and tightened the foreign policies in order to lead to a strong and consistent economic growth. This ultimately saw the fall of the Soviet Union. In an interesting twist, the Republican and Democratic Parties are the only two major parties involved in the current politics of six that existed in the mid-1800s. At the time, the four others included the Whig Party (1834-1854), Liberty Party (1839-1844), the Free-Soil Party (1848-1854) and the American Party (1849-1860) which supported immigrant and anti-Catholic platforms (Appleby, 2005). Principles The Democrats follow the liberal philosophy which enhances the government’s role in regulation of the economy. Its another principle is the redistribution of income and wealth to the benefit of the needy. For instance, they believe the government of the day should ensure all citizens are taken care of. Simply put, they believe it’s the role of the government to provide social safety and opportunity regardless of the social status (Witcover, 2003). The Republicans have a more conservative philosophy. They state that, while it’s the role of the government to provide regulation on morality (Ask Me, 2000), each individual should take care of him/herself. Thus, its principles are on personal responsibility. For instance, Republicans believe that the decisions of whether to pursue and education or not, practice good health or not, to work or not to work squarely lie with the individual and not the government. Mayhew states that Democrats suggest that “The economic basis and principal interest of the Republican Party is business” (1966). Penner comes up with the concept of Lincolnian precepts where he asserts that the free market is the essence of the society’s strength, rooted in accountability and responsibility (2008). Key Issues There may be various differences in belief between individual Republicans and Democrats on a number of issues; the listing is provided hereunder. Democrats are considered on the ‘left’ end of the political scope, while republicans are on the far ‘right’. In this scenario, Republicans are commonly anti-bureaucracy, pro-business, pro-religion and pro personal responsibility. Further, Republicans are normally perceived as conservative (socially and fiscally), against bureaucracy often tied to big government and pro-business. This individuals view the big government concept as being wasteful and a hurdle to getting things done. They hold the opinion that the strong shall survive. The left side of the scope, Democrats, is considered to be the most extreme democrats who are largely liberal. This faction favors the role of an active government and they hold the belief that such influence of the government -- be it anti-discrimination laws or polluting -- can improve the quality of livelihoods. For instance, they might advance the social issues and the rest personal issues. On one hand, Democrats are basically known as supporters of a wider range of social services in the U.S than those recommended by Republicans. On the other hand, Republicans have a philosophy based on restricted government influence ‘interference’ coupled by a dominant foreign policy. Energy Democrats hold the belief that the American people deserve a country that is more environmentally focused on energy policies that create a cleaner country. In this promise, they create greater emphasis on renewable energy sources. Historically, many Democrats have been for higher taxes to sustain and support more economically friendly energy sources. Both “Democrats and republicans” believe that dependence on foreign oil poses a threat to the economy and national defense. Proposals advanced by republicans focus on more traditional sources of energy development. Education Democrats continually support the expansion of educational opportunities that the young adults are provided. They propose cutting student loan repayment rates in support of the philosophy of expanded government support. The proposed loan cuts provide education chance for all and this is paid for with higher taxations. This is an obvious indication of the democrat’s wealth redistributions principles. Republicans are also determined to promote scholastic achievement, but they have a position that is deeply rooted on personal accomplishments and responsibility with very little emphasis on government support. Republicans still maintain that the Federal government should not interfere with state and local schools. Additionally, they also believe in the future of a brighter US. Health care This conforms to party ideology as well: the Republicans are for the idea that healthcare should be made more accessible, affordable and flexible to the citizens. This in their plan fits with lowering health insurance and making it affordable for people who want it to purchase it on their own. On the other hand, the Democrats hold the belief that the federal government should provide a health care system that works for all. It should insure every citizen and have access to health care insurance. They actually support forcing citizens to buy health care insurance through the government. Jobs and Economy Balancing budgets, fair trade, paying down national debt by means of increased taxes on the Americans in the higher tax brackets is ideas that the Democrats advance. These are consistent with their core beliefs that the government should attempt to create opportunities and assist the current investors in real estate crisis. Understandably, Republicans charge the Democrats with advancing higher government spending and taxes. At its level, the Republican Party considers restraints on the spending by the government. They remain rooted in the belief that the best scenarios for economic growth and job opportunities can come from limited government, individual freedom, spending and low taxes. Real security and safety Republicans support the idea of protecting the American people at home and are honest to their allies, citizens and troops. They advocate the need to secure the requirements of the twenty-first century. This can be achieved by winning the war on terror and repairing the military. Once again, the Democrats’ view is quite different. They propose strengthening the military and protecting the homeland. Conclusion The Republicans favor the market economy, lower tax burdens and personal responsibility, while the Democrats favor income distribution from the rich to the needy and government involvement in running affairs. These are clearly differing political ideologies come up in the major issues of the day. With presidential elections, the Americans split almost evenly upon the numerous issues that are vital to our country’s future. Works Cited Appleby, J. The American Vision. New York: McGraw Hill, 2005. Print. “Energy”. 2006. USA TODAY. Web. 21 Dec. 2011. Mayhew, D. R. (n.d.). “Conclusion.” In Party Loyalty among Congressmen: The Difference between Democrats and Republicans 1947-1962, 147. Print. “On the Issues”. (n.d.). Web. 21 Dec. 2011. < http://ontheissues.org/askme/dem_rep.htm.> Penner, Ernest. Our Financial Bailout Culture. The Wall Street Journal. 2008. The Republican Party. Web. 21 Dec. 2011 “Republican Principles”. 2001. GOP.com. Web. 21. Dec. 2011 “Republicans v. Democrats”. 2000. Web. 21 Dec. 2011. The Democratic Party. 2005. Web. 21 Nov. 2011 http://democrats.org Witcover, John. “Rise and Fall of the Great Society.” In Party of the People: A history of the Democrats. New York: Random House, 2003. Print. Read More