Political Parties Political parties have platforms which are made up of various planks Statements of belief on issues, determined by party conventions

Parties align on a spectrum with two extremes: Liberal (left) (48%) Moderate Conservative (right) (39%) % leaning in 2016

Liberals: Believe government should promote health, education and justice Full equality Importance of individual freedoms

Conservatives Limited government intervention Support traditional family values Support government in protecting moral lifestyles

Republican Party (GOP) Represented by color Red Symbol of the elephant More white, male, educated, religious Rural and suburban

Democratic Party Represented by the color Blue Symbol of the Donkey More female, minorities, and young people Big cities; coasts

Minor Parties: Green Party Very liberal Focused on environmental Pro alternative energy More than democratic party

Libertarian Party Third largest political party No government intervention at all Oppose regulating wages, prices, guns, marriage, abortion, media, etc. Military only exists to respond to aggression

Constitution Party Very conservative Wants to abolish most federal taxes Make English the official language End social programs (welfare) Oppose abortion, same-sex marriage, limit immigration, etc.

Independents Do not identify with any particular party More independents than what there has been in the last 75 years About 40% independent 32% democrat 23% republican….as of 2014 Primaries: Democratic congressional and state primaries: mixed Republican congressional and state primaries: mixed Democratic Presidential primary: mixed Republican Presidential primary: mixed   Primary Type Definitions Registration: Voters may or may not choose to affiliate with a political party, however, affiliation with a party is required to vote in primary elections. 38% of Iowa voters are not affiliated with a political party. Details of voting in congressional and state primary elections: Voters must be registered with a party in order to vote in a primary or caucus, but voters are allowed to change affiliation before the primary election or at the polls on primary day.