The Democratic Party and the Republican Party are the two largest political parties in the United States of America. They have different ideas about government, economy and civil rights, being commonly classified as liberal and conservative.
Democratic ideology advocates greater state intervention in the economy, and a more liberal philosophy. The republican ideology, on the other hand, bets on less state action and defends more conservative ideas.
Here are the main differences between the two parties:
| Democrats | Republicans | |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy | Liberal | conservative |
| economic ideas | They defend the existence of a minimum wage and that taxes be higher for those with higher incomes. | It defends that wages should be established by the market and that taxes should be minimized or extinguished and equal, regardless of collection. |
| social ideas | Based on community and social responsibility. | Based on individual rights and justice. |
| Foundation | 1824 | 1854 |
| Tax positioning | Progressive, that is, the higher the income, the higher the taxation. | Defends the same tax rate for everyone, regardless of income. He is generally opposed to raising taxes on the richest. |
| Posture on military issues | Decrease in expenses. | Increased expenses. |
| Posture on gay marriage | Support (but not absolute). | Opposition (but not absolute). |
| Color | Blue. | Red. |
| Symbol | Dumb. | Elephant. |
| Posture on abortion | Must be legal (but not absolute). | It must not be nice. |
| Market regulation | They argue that the minimum regulation is necessary to protect consumers. | Believes regulation impedes free market capitalism and job growth. |
| health policy | It supports government involvement in health care, ensuring universal health. | He believes that private companies can provide health services more efficiently than government-run programs. |
| highest voting states | New York, California, Massachusetts. | Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas. |
| famous presidents | Franklin Roosevelt (FDR), John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton, Woodrow Wilson, Jimmy Carter, Barack Obama, Joe Biden | Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Richard Nixon, Donald Trump |
Democrats
History of the Democratic Party
The Democratic Party has its origins in the anti-federalist factions of America's independence from British rule. These factions were organized by Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and other opponents of the Federalists in 1792.
Positioning on the role of government
One of the fundamental differences between the ideals of the Democratic and Republican parties is around the government role.
Democrats advocate a more active role for government in society. They believe that such involvement can improve people's quality of life, in addition to helping them achieve greater opportunities on an equal basis.
party philosophy
Democrats attach greater importance to equality and social and community responsibility.
Republicans
History of the Republican Party
The Republican Party is the younger of the two parties and was founded in 1854 by anti-slavery expansion activists.
The Republican Party gained more relevance with the election of Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican president. Republicans were in government during the American Civil War (1861-1865) and Reconstruction. However, it was hit by internal scandals in the late 19th century.
Positioning on the role of government
Republicans tend to favor small government, both in terms of the number of people employed by the government and in terms of the government's roles and responsibilities in society. They see "big government" as a waste and an obstacle to getting things done.
His approach understands that the laws of the market and free competition are capable of bringing about social regulation independent of the State.
party philosophy
Republican philosophy leans more towards individual freedoms, rights and responsibilities.
See also the difference between:
- Parliamentarianism and presidentialism
- monarchy and republic
- Direct, indirect and representative democracy
- Executive, Legislative and Judiciary: the three powers
- Nazism and Fascism
