1. Democrat or Republican?

2. 2000 Election Map Red-Republican—Blue-Democrat

3. 2004 Election Map

4. Republicans are conservative
favor traditional institutions and the status quo
favor laissez-faire system
define
favor a limited role for government in society and believe that people should help themselves, not rely on the government
favor lower taxes
believe in the trickle-down theory

5. Democrats are liberal favor change in society
oppose government intervention into one’s private and social life
support regulations on economic activity and businesses
favor an active role for government in society
believe that involvement – be it environmental regulations against polluting or anti-discrimination laws- can improve the quality of our lives
willing to increase taxes to support programs

6. Abortion Democrat: Republican:
Abortion is a woman’s right and should be legal
Republican:
Abortion should be illegal and restricted by government

9. Flag Burning Democrat: Republican:
Flag burning is political speech and is protected by the Constitution
Republican:
Protect the flag from burning by a constitutional amendment

10. Gun Control Democrats: Republicans:
Favor/Gun control is needed
Republicans:
Oppose/Gun control is unconstitutional
CNN - State by State Look at Gun Laws in the U.S.

11. Natural Environment Democrats: Republicans:
Strong regulations are needed to protect the environment
Republicans:
Strong environmental laws harm the economy

12. Race Relations Democrats: Republicans: Affirmative Action Timeline
Strong anti-discrimination laws are needed
favor affirmative action
Republicans:
People and businesses might discriminate, but believe the market will eventually correct the wrong.
Many oppose affirmative action
Affirmative Action Timeline

13. Minimum Wage Democrats: Republicans:
Favor/Increase the minimum wage to help workers
Republicans:
Oppose/Do not raise the minimum wage because it is an artificial number which will increase inflation.

14. Healthcare Democrats: Republicans:
Government should require universal access to healthcare
Republicans:
Private insurers are preferable to government controlled system

15. Taxes Democrats: Republicans:
Increase taxes on the wealthy to pay for public programs
Republicans:
Cutting taxes for everyone helps the economy
Single Tax Rates Single Income Tax Rates

16. Taxes Paid by Portion of Population

17. Military Democrats: Republicans:
Cut military spending; cut veteran’s benefits; They SAY they will act in concert with other nations and/or with support from NATO and the UN, but not always the case.
Republicans:
Increase military spending; increase veteran’s benefits; don’t be constrained by other nations or by NATO and the UN; although they have used them in the past.

18. Death Penalty Democrats: Republicans:
Oppose/It is not a deterrent and innocent people are in jeopardy
Republicans:
Favor/The death penalty is necessary and effective

21. Gay Rights Democrats: Republicans:
Favor/Gays rights and marriage are civil rights
Republicans:
Oppose/Marriage is a sacred trust between a man and woman

23. Prayer in School Democrats: Republicans:
Oppose/Violation of the separation between church and state
Republicans:
Favor/It is a religious right and our Christian heritage

24. What about other issues? Where are there differences?
Executive Privilege:
“The biggest problems that we're facing right now have to do with George Bush trying to bring more and more power into the Executive Branch and not go through Congress at all, and that's what I intend to reverse when I'm president of the United States of America,” Sen. Obama said on March 31, 2008, in Lancaster, Pa.
“We’re not just going to be waiting for legislation in order to make sure that we’re providing Americans the kind of help they need. I’ve got a pen and I’ve got a phone.” Pres. Obama, January 23, 2014.