SS-HS-1.1.3
Students will evaluate how the U.S. government's response to contemporary issues and societal problems (e.g., education, welfare system, health insurance,
childcare, crime) reflects the needs, wants and demands of its citizens (e.g., individuals, political action committees, special interest groups, political parties).
Democrat vs Republican
This comparison examines the differences between the policies and political positions of the Democratic
and Republican parties on major issues such as taxes, the role of government, entitlements (Social
Security, Medicare), gun control, immigration, healthcare, abortion and gay rights. These two parties
dominate America's political landscape but differ greatly in their philosophies and ideals.
Comparison chart
Democrat
Republican
Philosophy:
Liberal
Conservative
Economic Ideas:
Favor minimum wages and
progressive taxation i.e. higher tax
rates for higher income brackets.
Believe taxes shouldn't be
increased for anyone (including
the wealthy) and that wages
should be set by the free market.
Stand on Military
issues:
Decreased spending
Increased spending
Stand on gay
marriage:
Support (some Democrats
disagree)
Oppose (some Republicans
disagree)
Stand on
abortion:
Should not be made illegal;
support Roe v. Wade (some
Democrats disagree)
Should not be legal; oppose Roe
v. Wade (some Republicans
disagree)
Stand on Death
penalty:
While support for the death
penalty is strong among
Democrats, opponents of the
death penalty are a substantial
fraction of the Democratic base.
A large majority of Republicans
support the death penalty.
Social and
human ideas:
Based on community and social
responsibility
Based on individual rights and
justice
Traditionally
strong in states:
California, Massachusetts
Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas
Symbol:
Donkey
Elephant
Democrat
Republican
Color:
Blue
Red
Founded in:
1824
1854
Website:
www.democrats.org
www.gop.com
Senate Leader:
Harry Reid
Mitch McConnell
Chairperson:
Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Reince Priebus
Famous
Presidents:
Franklin Roosevelt, John F.
Kennedy, Bill Clinton, Woodrow
Wilson, Jimmy Carter
Abraham Lincoln, Teddy
Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan,
George Bush, Richard Nixon
1. Based on this chart, which of the two major parties would you support with
your membership? Why?
2. How does the membership and support of the two major parties help the
government know how to respond to issues?
3. What are some issues that matter to you that were not included in the chart?
Do you know how the two major parties stand on these issues?
4. Define “bipartisanship.” Why do you think that this is hard to achieve?