Difference between Republicans and Democrats
Democrats and Republicans are two of the most common political factions in the United States. Here, we will be discussing the significant differences between the two.
Origins and Definitions of Democrats and Republicans[edit]
The origins of the Democratic Party can be traced back to anti-federalist factions who were organized into a party by Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and other influential partners in 1792. The Democratic Party has always shared opposing economic and social views with the Republican Party, which was founded in 1854 by the anti- slavery activists and modernizers. The Republican Party rose to prominence following the election of the first Republican president Abraham Lincoln who presided during the American civil war. A Democrat is usually known to be a supporter of a wider range of social services in America while a Republican typically believes in a limited influence of the government and a dominant foreign policy.
Beliefs of Democrats and Republicans[edit]
Republicans are typically considered to be more conservative while democrats are more liberal. Individual freedoms and rights are key parts of the republican philosophy, as opposed to equality and social responsibility embraced by democrats. To this end, a majority of Republican Party members believe that the budget for the military should be increased and a more hard line stance should be taken against countries like Iran, Syria, etc. Democrats on the other hand, think that military spending should be decreased and advocate for more spending on social services.
Supported Stances of Democrats and Republicans[edit]
Gun control, taxes, death penalty, abortion and LGBT rights are some of the main areas of controversy between the two parties. Democrats support the gun control laws whilst Republicans oppose the gun control laws (which is often seen as a restriction of individual rights). Abortion rights and keeping elective abortions legal is supported by Democrats whilst Republicans oppose it. As expected, Republicans support the death penalty while Democrats oppose it. Republicans also oppose to increasing the minimum wage as well as progressive taxes which is strongly supported by the Democrats.
Additionally, Democrats believe in equal rights for all the LGBTQ community (e.g the right to get married, adopt children, etc.), while the Republicans believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman so therefore the LGBTQ community should not have the right to get married, etc.
| Democrats | Republicans | |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy | Liberal | Conservative |
| Economic ideas | Progressive taxation and minimum wages. | Flat rate taxation and free market-set wages. |
| Social and human ideas | Social responsibility. | Justice and individual rights. |
| Stance on Military issues | Decreased spending | Increased spending |
| Stance on Gay Marriage | Majority Support | Majority Oppose |
| Stance on Abortion | Ought to remain legal | Ought to be illegal |
| Stance on Death Penalty | Majority support with substantial opposition | Majority support |
| Stance on Government Regulation | Support | Oppose |
| Healthcare Policy | Support universal and public healthcare | Oppose public healthcare in favor of private companies. |
| Stance on Immigration | Majority support a moratorium on deporting undocumented, law abiding immigrants. | Majority oppose a moratorium on deporting undocumented immigrants. |
| Traditionally strong in states | New York, California, Massachusetts | Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas |
| Symbol | Donkey | Elephant |
| Color | Blue | Red |
| Founded in | 1824 | 1854 |
| Website | https://democrats.org/ | https://www.gop.com/ |
| Famous presidents | Franklin Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Barack Obama | Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon |
| Senate leader | Chuck Schumer | Mitch McConnell |
| Chairperson | Tom Perez | Ronna McDaniel |
| Seats in Senate | 45/100 | 53/100 |
| Seats in House of Representatives | 233/435 | 198/435 |
| Governorships | 24 | 26 |
| 2020 Presidential Candidates | Joe Biden | Donald Trump |
