Political Parties in USA

Democratic Party - Began 1792 by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison in order to keep the Federal Government from having too much power in Domestic Policies. In 1828 Andrew Jackson officially named it the Democratic-Republican Party. 1832 Held 1st Convention in Baltimore, MD 1848 known as Democratic Party 1870 Thomas Nast political cartoonist used the Donkey as a mascot

Democratic Issue Platforms More power for the Federal Government Support Unions and Higher Minimum Wage Opposed to tax cuts for oil companies More spending on Social Services Against increased spending on military Favor national healthcare

Favor national healthcare Pushed for International Free Trade Supports Equal Opportunity Currently for pulling out of war in Iraq and Afghanistan Support rights for same sex marriage

Democratic Qualities On the “Left” on economic and social issues Known as Liberal Color is Blue (for election purposes) Favor, young, working class, minorities www.democrats.org Chairman: Tom Perez

Democratic Presidents 14 out of 45 Presidents were Democrats Well Known Democratic Presidents Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) John F Kennedy (JFK) Woodrow Wilson Harry Truman Andrew Jackson Bill Clinton Barack Obama

Republican Party 1856 1st Republican Convention In Pittsburgh, PA -1854 Established by anti slavery activists to oppose slavery and modernize the US 1856 1st Republican Convention In Pittsburgh, PA 1860 Abraham Lincoln 1st Republican President 1874 Thomas Nast used the Elephant as mascot 1912 Party almost dissolved because of split

Republican Issue Platforms For limited Federal Government, more power to states Support individuals in regards to economics and social issues Against unions Against welfare, national healthcare Are known for referring to religion, morals School choice, vouchers, charter schools Support strong Military Supports promoting Democracy around the world

Republican Qualities On the “Right” of the Political Spectrum Known as Conservative Color for elections is Red www.gop.com Favor Business Owners, Wealthy, More Educated, Military Current Chairman: Ronna Romney McDaniel

Republican Presidents 18 out of 44 Presidents were Republican Well Known Republican Presidents Abraham Lincoln Theodore Roosevelt Dwight D. Eisenhower Ronald Reagan George W Bush Donald Trump

Political Spectrum

Left (Liberal) Liberals usually embrace freedom of choice in personal matters, but tend to support significant government control of the economy. They generally support a government-funded "safety net“ to help the disadvantaged, and advocate strict regulation of business. Liberals tend to favor environmental regulations, defend civil liberties and free expression, support government action to promote equality, and tolerate diverse lifestyles.

Libertarian Libertarians support maximum liberty in both personal and economic matters. They advocate a much smaller government; one that is limited to protecting individuals from coercion and violence. Libertarians tend to embrace individual responsibility, oppose government bureaucracy and taxes, promote private charity, tolerate diverse lifestyles, support the free market, and defend civil liberties.

Centrist Centrists espouse a "middle ground" regarding government control of the economy and personal behavior. Depending on the issue, they sometimes favor government intervention and sometimes support individual freedom of choice. Centrists pride themselves on keeping an open mind, tend to oppose "political extremes," and emphasize what they describe as "practical" solutions to problems.

Right (Conservative) Conservatives tend to favor economic freedom, but frequently support laws to restrict personal behavior that violates "traditional values." They oppose excessive government control of business, while endorsing government action to defend morality and the traditional family structure. Conservatives usually support a strong military, oppose bureaucracy and high taxes, favor a free- market economy, and endorse strong law enforcement.