Democrat vs. Republican
Symbol- Democrat Donkey This symbol was first associated with Democrat Andrew Jackson in 1828. His opponents called him a “jackass.” It gained popularity among Democrats who consider themselves strong willed, like a donkey. Republicans like to use it because they see Democrats as stubborn.
Symbol- Republican Elephant Cartoonist Thomas Nast gave Republicans the Elephant symbol in 1874 to mock them as a big party which tries to scare away others. It gained popularity among Republicans who consider themselves strong and dignified, like the elephant. Democrats like to use it because they see Republicans as slow moving.
Political Spectrum- Democrat Left Liberal
Political Spectrum- Republican Right Conservative
Leaders- Democrat President Obama, Sec of State Hilary Clinton, Former President Bill Clinton, Former President John F. Kennedy, NC Governor Bev Perdue, NC Senator Kay Hagan, NC Representative Mel Watt
Leaders- Republican Former President George W. Bush, Senator John McCain, Former President George Bush, Former President Ronald Reagan, NC Senator Richard Burr, NC Representative Virginia Foxx
Typical Supporters- Democrat Women Catholics African Americans Poorer Citizens Younger Citizens Educated Citizens Northern US Western US
Typical Supporters- Republican Men Christians White Americans Wealthier Citizens Older Citizens Middle Class Southern US Midwest US
Size of the Government- Democrat Large & directly involved with citizen’s lives
Size of the Government- Republican Small & indirectly involved with citizen’s lives
Want to tax the rich more Taxes- Democrat Support more taxes Want to tax the rich more and the poor less
Taxes- Republican Support less taxes Want to tax the rich less and tax everyone similarly
Welfare- Democrat Support Favor programs for the poor
Welfare- Republican Against Do not favor programs for the poor
Minimum Wage- Democrat Increase Helps the poor
Minimum Wage- Republican Decrease Hurts businesses to pay higher salaries
Business Regulation- Democrat Increase Want to control businesses more
Business Regulation- Republican Decrease Want to control businesses less
Military Spending- Democrat Decrease Spend less on the military
Military Spending- Republican Increase Spend more on the military
Foreign Aid- Democrat Increase Help poor countries
Foreign Aid- Republican Decrease Help America before other countries
Gun Control- Democrat Increase Stricter laws to decrease crime
Gun Control- Republican Decrease Stricter laws do not mean less crime
Death Penalty- Democrat Against Cruel and unusual punishment
Death Penalty- Republican Support Not cruel and unusual punishment
Affirmative Action- Democrat Support Help minorities
Affirmative Action- Republican Against Hurts non-minorities
Abortion- Democrat Support Pro-Choice
Abortion- Republican Against Pro-Life
Healthcare- Democrat Support Want free healthcare for all Americans
Healthcare- Republican Against Should not provide free healthcare, people should get their own
Education- Democrat National Government control
Education- Republican State Government control
Environment- Democrat More laws protecting it Against new gas, oil, and mineral exploration
Environment- Republican Less laws protecting it Support new gas, oil, and mineral exploration