What is the difference between a Republican and Democrat? Get ready to learn a life lesson!

World Political Spectrum Sociology……..…Law…………….Economy Left Center Right ___________________________________ Communist Socialist Liberal Conservative Fascist

Political Specturm Communism – ideology of a classless, stateless social organization. Common ownership

Political Spectrum Fascism - authoritarian political ideology that considers individual and other societal interests less important than interests of the state Nationalism and anti- communist

World Political Spectrum American Politics – here is where we fall Right ___________________________________ Liberal /Conservative USA ______________I__________I_________ Communist Socialist Liberal /Conservative Fascist LEFT

Democrats vs. Republicans liberal or “Left” Liberals TEND to vote Democrat – doesn’t mean they must always agree –proper role for government is to regulate and oversee the economy. –Often seen as more “open minded” –Government should not dictate personal choices –Government is “safety net”

Democrats vs. Republicans Conservative or “Right” Conservatives TEND to vote Republican – doesn’t mean they have to –Proper role for government is to regulate and oversee morality and promote values. –Usually seen as “old fashioned” and religious –Proper for government to ensure that people are punished for immoral acts (such as taking drugs). People are responsible for their actions –Support strong military,

Democrats vs. Republicans libertarian Tend to fall somewhere in the middle –Support maximum liberty in economic and personal matters –Small government – only role to is protecting those against violence –Endorse personal responsibility, oppose taxes, promote private charity, tolerate diverse life styles

Democrats vs. Republicans Populist/authoritarian –government should have great power over economic and individual behavior –Support high taxes, oppose diverse lifestyles, question importance of civil liberties

Democrats vs. Republicans Left and Right? –Conservatives are considered to be “Right Winged” –Liberals are considered “Left Winged”

Democrats vs. Republicans The basic difference –Republicans tend to follow a conservative “right” philosophy –Democrats tend to follow a liberal or “left” philosophy

Democrats vs. Republicans The issues Abortion –Liberals: Pro – Choice It is a woman’s right to choose Should be legal –Conservatives: Pro – life It should not be legal There are plenty of other options

Democrats vs. Republicans The issues Gun Control –Liberals: More gun control laws are needed Too many violent crimes with guns –Conservatives Oppose gun control laws Protection of 2 nd Amendment »Backwards

Democrats vs. Republicans The issues Discrimination and Affirmative Action –Liberals Government should protect people against victims of this practice Support Affirmative Action –Conservatives Affirmative action caused reverse discrimination No longer needed—media creates discrimination

Democrats vs. Republicans The issues Military –Liberals Decrease in military spending Tend to oppose War on Terrorism in Iraq –Conservatives Increase military spending Tend to be For War on Terrorism in Iraq

Democrats vs. Republicans The issues Gay Rights –Liberals Supports gay rights and civil liberties - Right to Choose –Conservatives Believe marriage should be between a man and a woman – considered unnatural

Democrats vs. Republicans The issues Death Penalty –Liberals Do not agree with taking someone's life as a means of discipline –Conservatives The death penalty is a necessary evil to curb violent crimes

Democrats vs. Republicans The issues Prayer in School –Liberals Separation between church and state No prayer in school—it’s ok to pray if you choose, but not forced –Conservatives It’s apart of our nation’s culture to place prayer in school Rise in immorality in schools without prayer