The two major political parties, founded in the mid-1800s, were established around core values that differed significantly from one another. Those values remained as basic party philosophies, but sometimes they didn’t fit a politician’s personal values anymore. Example: The original southern Democrats over time became southern Republicans.
The differences between the parties’ platforms are evident, especially when it comes to taxes. Democrats support progressive taxation - higher taxes for higher income brackets; Republicans dislike raising taxes on anyone, and often pass tax cuts when they have the majority in Congress or at the state level.
Democrats support a minimum wage set by Congress; Republicans think wages should be set by the market. Democrats believe it’s the responsibility of government to aid those in need; Republicans promote individual independence over government assistance. In regard to military spending, Democrats generally favor less, while Republicans generally call for more. Neither party likes to cut military budgets. Government regulations are another area where the parties differ. Democrats believe government regulations are needed to protect the public; Republicans believe government regulations hinder the free market and inhibit job growth. Democrats are fairly positive about federal programs; Republicans dislike federal mandates and tout the principle of local control.
Democrats support abortion rights and wanted Roe v. Wade kept in place. Republicans wanted Roe v. Wade overturned and are more likely to support a strict right-to-life agenda. Republicans more often support the death penalty, while Democrats are more likely to oppose. Democrats strongly support LGBTQ and transgender rights; Republicans pass legislation inhibiting gay and transgender rights. Democrats support universal health insurance and passed the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). Republicans prefer private companies provide health care coverage, and have voted against Obamacare numerous times. Democrats believe strict gun control legislation is required; Republicans do not agree.
The immigration problem reveals wide differences between the parties. Democrats, sympathetic to what people endure to get to America, want better pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Republicans perceive illegal immigration as an enormous drain on the American economy and support stronger enforcement at the border.
Generally, both parties have remained true to their respective philosophies, and differences have become clearer. Democrats promote liberal policies reflecting their belief in proactive government; Republicans adhere to conservative policies and a more hands-off approach to governing. The moderates from each party sometimes work well together. Far-left Democrats occasionally challenge their more moderate leaders, but in general, follow the party line. Among Republicans, however, some have swung severely to the right in their approach to governing. During the COVID pandemic there were governors who didn’t act like Republicans. At the height of the pandemic, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds arbitrarily forced local schools to stay open.
– contrary to some schools’ wishes to go virtual, plus she prohibited schools from mandating the wearing of masks. Florida’s DeSantis forced cruise lines to reopen despite the continuing threat of COVID. Telling local schools and private businesses what they can or cannot do is not conservative doctrine, but DeSantis continues to do just that. A year ago, he abolished the self-governing district of Disney World in retaliation for its opposition to Florida’s anti-gay “Parental Rights in Education Law.” He imposes book bans and mandates on local entities that infringe on their rights. There is growing concern about how his policies are influencing Republicans overall, and how they’ll be perceived in a general election.
In contrast to their party that has always promoted law and order, the far-right is calling for defunding the FBI because of Trump’s legal problems. Republicans are historically strong on national security and membership in NATO, and most of them strongly support funding the Ukraine War with Russia. The MAGA crowd, however, is dead-set against America’s financial and military support for Ukraine. Moderate Republicans understand world peace is threatened if Russia prevails, but Speaker Kevin McCarthy is vowing to cut funding under pressure from House radicals, including his “manager,” Marjorie Taylor-Greene. Trump tells his supporters he would quickly end the war if re-elected. Of course, everyone knows he would do so by handing Ukraine over to Putin.
Establishment Republicans do stand up for Ukraine. They understand if we stop funding Ukraine, it would end their hopes of surviving Russia’s invasion. And that would become an enormous threat to the United States