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Democrat or Republican?
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How do you know if you are a
Republican or a Democrat?
1. Many young people feel closer to the political party chosen by their parents. This can make a lot of sense since parents and children have similar values and views on issues. A first step might be to talk to your parents and have them explain why they are Democrats or Republicans.
2. Another approach would be to identify the two or three concerns or issues you have about the future of your community or nation. See what solutions the Democrats and Republicans have and decide with whom you agree.
3. Every politician has his or her own view on the issue. However, the main two political parties tend to emphasize or focus on certain concerns:
Democrats are more liberal in the sense that they see the government as the main force to bring about change and solve problems.
*Democrats tend to emphasize:
• leading the fight for laws against discrimination of minorities,women, the disabled, gays.
• spending more government money for public schools -repair of school buildings, smaller class sizes, better salaries to attract bright people to teaching.
• protecting the Environment with governmental regulations and laws
• reducing the gap between the rich and the poor- raising minimum wages and improving conditions for working people
• providing governmental health care for all U.S. citizens
• favoring “pro choice” on the issue of abortion
• reducing tax cuts for the wealthy
• adding more policeman and youth programs to eliminate crime
Republicans are more conservative in the sense that they want less governmental answers to problems .
* Republicans tend to emphasize:
• making tougher laws and punishments for criminals /many
favor the death penalty for serious crimes
• reducing the amount of money that the government spends on welfare and social programs by encouraging more private charities and volunteer programs.
• lowering taxes - giving tax cuts when possible; yes, the wealthy get generous tax cuts but the idea is that they will hopefully invest their money into helping the economy.
• spending money on national security and building up the military
• relaxing regulations to protect the Environment -- allow people
and companies to voluntarily reduce pollution etc.
• helping businesses and corporations do well so that the economy and stock market improves; then businesses can employ more workers.
• favoring “pro-life” or against any legalizing on abortion issue
• improving schools by government support of charter schools, vouchers to allow students to go to private schools and more standardized testing to make sure students are learning
Where are you on the political continuum?
Democrat Republican
Liberal Moderate Conservative
Grand Old Party (G.O.P.)
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