Democrats vs. Republicans: Two Major Differences Between the Political Parties

Most citizens have at least a general idea of the differences between Democrats and Republicans. Usually the words "liberal" and "conservative" are associated with Democrats and Republicans, respectively. Although these terms are fairly accurate, looking at specific examples helps illustrate the differences between the two. Social policy and foreign policy are two major areas where the parties differ.

Religion and morals form the cornerstone for social policy. Hot topics in recent elections include the role of religion in public schools, gay marriage, and abortion. Democrats believe that public schools should be kept secular, all people should be allowed to marry, and women have the right to choose. "Democrats tend to take a more progressive view than their traditional minded counterparts" says Eden (Eden 1). Republicans favor a return to traditional values and emphasize the importance of religion, especially Christianity. It is not surprising that they are vehemently opposed to abortion and gay marriage. The text notes that "In 2004, as in 2000, frequency of attendance at religious services was an important correlate of presidential choice, with those who attended services once or more per week voting overwhelmingly for Bush" (Ceasar & Busch 137). Additionally, the "Republican Party is committed to halting a slide towards government imposition of secularism" (Cesar

& Busch 137).

Foreign policy, most recently associated with the war in Iraq, continues to be a highly divisive issue amongst the parties. Democrats want to end the war entirely and pull out of Iraq as soon as possible, whereas Republicans think the war is necessary and should continue. Furthermore, Republicans "tend to favor forming key alliances based on trust and mutual cooperation and only work with the larger international community where the believe they can best obtain the results most beneficial to American interests" (Eden 1). Democrats, conversely, believe in the importance of being an international player on the global stage. Their views on terrorism and the military differ as well. Terrorism is a criminal activity best pursued by the police as opposed to the government, and the military should be scaled back with that money being diverted into social programs, according to Democrats. Republicans think the government should aggressively attack terrorism and keep a large and powerful military at the ready.

However, it is important to note that not every person agrees with every aspect of their party's platform, and the levels of commitment to particular issues vary. A staunch Republican can be against the war in Iraq just as a liberal Democrat can be pro-life. These characteristics are only generalizations.

WORKS CITED:

Ceasar, James W. Busch, Andrew E. Red Over Blue. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.: Lanham,
Maryland. 2005.

Eden, Michael. "What's the Difference Between Democrats And Republicans?" August 27, 2008.
American Sentinel.

http://theamericansentinel.com/2008/08/27/whats-the-difference-between-democrats-and-
republicans