What is a Democrat? What is a Republican? American Politics What is a Democrat? What is a Republican?

Democrats vs. Republicans The major difference focuses on how government should interact in our daily lives Today, we are going to focus on Domestic issues (issues related to life here in America)

Democrats vs. Republicans Democrats believe that the Federal government should be more involved in people’s lives. Therefore, the Federal government should play a big role in solving people’s problems (to do this, taxes have to be higher)

Democrats vs. Republicans Republicans believe that the Federal government should play less of a role in people’s lives. The government should be a resource in solving problems, but not the final authority.

Democrats believe… More tax money should be spent in public schools (more after school programs, paid lunches, etc.) Abortion should be legal (Democrats do not see abortion as a religious issue. Instead, it is more of a personal privacy issue) Want a strict separation between Church and State (State = Government)

Democrats believe… The immigration issue should be solved by allowing current illegal immigrants to register and begin the process of becoming Americans That all Americans should be more energy responsible. In addition, the US should develop energy sources other than oil (use water, wind, ethanol, etc.)

Democrats believe… Some Democrats seem to advocate some sort of “socialized medicine.” The wealthier people in the US should be taxed at a higher rate so that the government can afford the social programs

Republicans believe… Government should not increase spending in public schools. In fact, families should receive tax credits so they can send their kids to private schools (if they so choose) Abortion should be illegal. For many Republicans, it is a religious issue. Others believe that abortion is murder.

Republicans believe… That “faith-based” organizations should be aided in providing services for people (schools, child care, hospitals, etc.) Immigration should be handled in a more strict way. For example, there should be some sort of wall on the Mexican border, as well as the US National Guard Energy companies should be given tax breaks to fund research on new energy sources

Republicans believe… The medical insurance business should be reformed, but no public medicine Taxes should remain low for all people so that people can spend money how they see fit. (Republicans believe that wealthier Americans will use their tax breaks to re-invest in the economy and create jobs)