1. Democrats and Republicans Mr. Holt Social Studies

2. Two main Political Parties Democrats Liberal – More open to new ideas and behaviors. Willing to discard traditional values Republicans Conservative – More cautious about change. Supports traditional values.

3. Issues What are some current issues in America that you feel strongly about?

4. Economy Democrats Believe in progressive taxation. Ex. Higher taxes for the wealthy Republicans Believe that taxes shouldn’t increase for anyone. Ex. Taxes should not go up with the more money you make.

5. The Military Democrats Want less military spending Republicans Want more military spending Fact: Military Spending accounts for %25 of our nations yearly budget. About 925.2 billion dollars

6. Same Sex Marriage Democrats In general democrats support same sex marriage (not all) Republicans In general republicans do not support same sex marriage. (not all)

7. Abortion Democrats Should not be made illegal. Republicans Should be made illegal.

8. Death Penalty Democrats Fairly split on the issue. Majority support, but a large faction apposes the death penalty Republicans Majority supports the death penalty.

9. Role of government Democrats Government should be bigger. More community and social responsibility. Republicans The government should be smaller. Based on individual rights and justice.

10. Other Important issues in today’s Election The Environment Healthcare Foreign policy Education Social Security Gun control Terrorism

11. In Class or for homework Write one paragraph (at least 5 sentences) describing one of the two political parties covered in class today. Be sure to include details that you learned in class.