Republican Party:
The Republican Party, characterized by an elephant and the color red, is one of the two major political parties in the United States. They're traditionally more conservative. When voting for a republican, they'll have a (R) next to their name.
Traditionally, Republicans support:
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Laissez-faire capitalism is an economic system characterized by minimal government involvement.
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Lower taxes.
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Conservative social policies are usually more traditional.
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Supports the state having more power than the national government.
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Strong military and immigration policies.
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Strong U.S. border control is part of the immigration policies.
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Individual economic freedom without government involvement.
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Religion being used in government and being taught and practiced in schools.
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Republicans oppose:
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Gun-control legislation
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More government-funded social programs can include schools, libraries, etc.
Disclaimer: NOT ALL REPUBLICANS BELIEVE IN OR SUPPORT ALL OF THESE. THIS IS GENERAL INFORMATION OF WHAT THEY TEND TO SUPPORT
Democrat Party:
The Democratic Party is one of the two major parties in the United States, characterized by a donkey and the color blue. The party is also highly decentralized, meaning that many of the representatives live all around the country. When voting a democrat, they'll have a (D) next to their name.
Traditionally, Democrats support:
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Strong federal government over a strong state or local government.
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Having powers to regulate business and industry in the public interest.
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Financing social services and benefits for the poor, unemployed, and aged.
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Protecting the rights of citizens and social freedom/equality.
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Internationalism and multilateralism, which involve collaboration with other countries.
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Affirmative action, which eliminates any laws that discriminate against people, to bring equality to the system.
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Liberal views, which are more modern political views and actions.
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Supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
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Gun control legislation.
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Higher tax rates that support the public services they want to provide.
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Allowing more immigrants to live in the U.S.
The Democrats oppose:
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Organized church vs state prayer at public schools.
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Extreme control of U.S. borders and immigration policies.
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The upper class paying lower taxes than the lower and middle classes.
Disclaimer: NOT ALL DEMOCRATS BELIEVE IN OR SUPPORT ALL OF THESE. THIS IS GENERAL INFORMATION OF WHAT THEY TEND TO SUPPORT
Third Parties:
Third parties usually support a more specific government issue and are not directly involved with the Democrat or Republican party. They usually have trouble winning government elections due to our two-party system.
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The main third parties in the U.S.:
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The Green Party, which supports the environment.
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The Liberation Party, which advocates for minimal government intervention, individual liberty, and free-market capitalism.
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The Constitution Party, which advocates for a strict interpretation of the Constitution and emphasizes religious and conservative values.
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The Forward Party, which focuses on moving beyond conservative or more traditional values.
Further reading on Third Parties:
https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/political-science/third-party-politics
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/politics-july-dec04-third_parties?scrlybrkr=0df23831&extn=true