Modern US Political Parties

Like ‘em or not – you will have to deal with them

Why do we have political parties? Part of the “unwritten Constitution”Organize CongressOrganize electionsPeople are social/political animals and tend to

factionalizeWe failed to listen to George Washington (anyone paying

attention at the beginning of 11th grade want to tell me why?)

Disclaimer – the following information is taken from party websites and does not reflect the opinion of the author, the ideologies are considered general and cannot be expected to apply to all party stances, ideals, or members

Democratic PartyEstablished in 1828 (Democratic Republican

Party during the late 1790’s)Since the 1930’s – the more liberal party

(previously the more conservative party)Can include centrists all the way to socialists

Democratic Party con’tSocial Ideology Economic Ideology Universal health care/national

health care Pro-government social safety

nets/welfare Promote college attendance Pro-choice (mostly) Military involvement as a last

resort Pro- environmental regulation Pro-gay rights Pro-affirmative action Anti gun rights More liberal immigration

policies/amnesty for illegal immigrants

Progressive taxesGreater regulation of

business and financePro-worker/union party Pro – minimum wageBelieve government

intervention is necessary to help prevent exploitive practices of government

Military more for defense

Republican Party - Founded in 1854 – generally due to the conflict over slavery - Called the G.O.P. – Grand Old/Ole Party

(actually the younger party) - Currently seen as the more conservative

party

Republican Party cont’dSocial Ideology Economic Ideology Privatization of charity, but social

safety nets are necessary though should be limited

Environmental protection must be balanced with economic rewards

Pro-gun rights Anti-gay marriage Pro-life Anti-affirmative action Anti-drug legalization Pro-school choice, privatization of

schools Greater limits on immigration

/tougher policies for illegal immigration

income taxes, particularly on the wealth

Generally anti-union, anti minimum wage

Promote small businesspro-large corporations Support national

defense/unilateral strikes if need be

Libertarian Party (1971)theoretically neither right nor left

Social Ideology Economic Ideology Pro-drug legalizationPro-choicePro-gay marriagePro-home schooling,

privatization, parents should pay for child’s education not state

Pro-medical marijuana Pro-gun rights Free market health carePrivatize charity

Anti-welfareAnti-government

regulation of businessStrong property rightsAnti minimum wagePro free trade,

globalizationCut government spending’Support Balanced Budget

Amendment Anti income tax

Constitution Party – 1991-considered to be right/conservative

Social Ideology Economic Ideology Pro-life (few to no

exceptions) Anti-gun controlAnti – immigration Anti – gay rights

(criminalize)Pro-school prayerCut Department of Ed,

Health & Human Services as unconstitutional

Privatize charity English only

Anti-income tax (repeal 16th amendment)

Trade protectionistsGov’t revenue from

tariffsEnd foreign payments

and involvement

Green Party (national since 2001)Social Ideology Economic Ideology Grass roots democracy,

most decisions at local level

Social justiceDecentralized

government ‘Pro equality and

diversity Generally liberal on

issues of welfare, social safety nets

Focus on sustainability Anti – large corporation

and Super PAC’s funding politics

Support greater government regulation esp to protect environment

Independence Party (2001)- 37 states, very popular in Minnesota and New York - “socially inclusive and fiscally responsible”

Social Ideology Economic Ideology General belief is that

social issues are not government issues and should be left to the individual

Pro-choicePro gay rightsPro gun rightsPro medical marijuana

Pro-business attitude Pro-small business“rational energy policy”

Note – national website is currently not maintained