The Main Parties in the USA
In the United States a two-party system has evolved with the Democrats and the Republicans constituting the two major parties.
Both parties cover a wide range of sometimes diverse political interests, thus one might easily get the impression that the Democrats and the Republicans are not distinctly different.
- But while the Democrats generally consider welfare programmes as a means of achieving a fairer distribution of wealth, the Republicans hold the belief that low taxation benefits the economy, thus creating workplaces and lessening the need for social programmes.
- Rather than subscribing to Republican unilateralism, the Democrats insist that solving international conflicts requires broad international consent and the support of America’s allies.
There is also a number of smaller parties. The Green Party, for instance, was founded in 1984 and is committed to the protection of the environment and grassroots democracy.
Lobbies, interest groups such as the National Rifle Association, which aim at influencing politicians on legislation, also play a substantial role in the USA and their power must not be underestimated.
Additional Information
The Democrats
Party emblem (often used in cartoons):
the donkey
Having established themselves as the party of social reform and progress in the past, the Democrats generally advocate
W heavily taxing the rich and large enterprises to finance welfare programmes for the socially disadvantaged,
- affirmative action as a means of fighting racial inequality,
- diplomacy over military action,
- crime prevention,
- a more efficient health care system.
Among the Democrats there is a growing awareness of the importance of environmental protection. Their more liberal stand on questions such as
- abortion,
- same-sex marriages and
- stem-cell research
which appeal to intellectuals, but among their supporters are also working-class people, members of minorities and unions.
The Republicans
Party emblem (often used in cartoons):
the elephant
Founded in 1854, the Republicans are also called the GOP, the “Grand Old Party”. Having once represented the industrial north, the Republicans adhere to the principles of the free market with its emphasis on competitiveness and the responsibility of the individual.
Thus they are in favour of
- little state interference,
- low taxation to boost the economy and less state expenditure,
- military unilateralism (taking military action regardless of the support/consent of other nations),
- a tough stand on crime including capital punishment. Stressing the freedom of the individual, the Republicans are against
- legislation to promote the protection of the environment and
- gun control while at the same time opposing
- abortion and
- same-sex marriages.
President Bush’s cabinet conspicuously included African Americans to raise the appeal to members of minorities, yet the Republicans receive most votes from the wealthy, the middle class and all those representing big business. Yet on account of their upholding family values they are also supported by religious groups.
