Political Parties Notes

Two Major Parties Democrats: Another name for them is “Liberal” Party color is Blue Donkey is their mascot because it is strong willed, stubborn, and has strength. Republicans: Another name for them is “Conservative” Party color is Red Elephant is their mascot because it is big, strong, unmovable when calm, and unstoppable.

Four Major Political Differences Democrats: Increase Taxes Increased Spending Increase the Size of National Government Decrease Military Strength Republicans: Decrease Taxes Decrease Spending Decrease the Size of National Government Increase Military Strength

Democrats Increase Taxes: Increase Spending: Government Programs help lower and middle class Raise taxes on upper class, reduce on lower class Increase Spending: More programs for people, government will help decide where money is needed Good programs can make life “comfortable” Increase Size of Government: More government due to more programs for the people Decrease Military Strength: Build relationships with others countries, work with the U.N. to make a safer world.

Republicans Decrease Taxes: Decrease Spending: Give money back to the people so they can use the money how they want to Less taxes to businesses, more jobs mean more tax payers Decrease Spending: Less “handouts”, have people spend their money, not the government Decrease Size of Government: Everyone is not the same, each state has different needs, and different issues, more power regionally Increase Military Strength: Always have a strong military, this is security. We need to take care of our own, other countries should take care of their own.

Other Major Issue Differences Republicans: Pro – Life For the Death Penalty Pro - Gun Democrats: Pro – Choice Against the Death Penalty Anti – Gun

The Political Spectrum Left Right RADICAL LIBERAL MODERATE CONSERVATIVE REACTIONARY Favors extreme changes to a new social system Believes that gov’t must change economic, political, and ideological policies thought to be unfair Holds beliefs that fall between the liberal and conservative views, usually including both Seeks to keep in place the economic, political, and social structures of society Favors extreme changes to restore society to an earlier, more conservative state