munchini

i ask this question in amusement as well as an education... in your own words in the most consice way can you explain to me the difference between a republican and a democrat.

Because of the upcoming elections, i'd like to be informed, and the only thing in my opinion to distinguish them apart are their stances... isn't there more of a difference??

it'd also be fun to ask what the other parties can be described as

hiredgun

this is a rather broad question, and doesn't have one very precise answer.

very generally, republicans are more "right-wing", favor smaller government and fewer social programs, less government regulation of business, and more conservative social values.

democrats are more "left", and tend to favor social welfare programs and more liberal social values.


for more relevant and accurate information, check out:

http://www.democrats.org/about/2000platform.html

and

http://www.rnc.org/Issues

DerBlitzkrieger

i think that politicalcompass.org can say it much more eloquently than i can. check out their analysis, then take the test.

http://www.digitalronin.f2s.com/poli...analysis2.html

also, of particular interest to you, is this little gem: http://www.digitalronin.f2s.com/poli...primaries.html

__________________
300,000 Kilometers per second: It's not just a good idea. Its the law.

wilbjammin

Republicans have a fundamental belief that man should be entirely self-made. Government exists primarily for protection and to encourage money-making or giving each individual an equal chance towards self-actualization. Tendancies towards libertarian views on government, yet also adopts more of a realist view on national security (you have to assume the worst of all nations - all nations act in their self-interest -because the world system is anarchy). Tendancies towards ends justify the means reasoning. Likes privatization. Fundamentalist Christians tend to associate themselves with Republicans. While government is not meant to restrict business and provides security, it is often argued that there are many exceptions to 1st Amendment protections (burning flag is illegal, talking against the government is illegal, willingness towards sacrifices in civil liberities for overall security).

Democrats have a fundamental belief that society should be structured around the community. Government exists to help all individuals, provide protection, and a general feeling that government can help raise people up is held (rather than the Republican view that people can only raise themselves up, they view "social welfare" as being enabling and as "handouts"). While national security is important, Democrats are more liberal in the classic political science definition on international relations (that is, a focus on cooperation and agreements, instead of assuming self-interest there is a focus on joint incentives to cooperate). A strong belief in regulations and government controls and standards, a dislike of laissez-faire economics because it can hurt those at the bottom. Definitely a focus on the means towards getting to ends. Typically the labor union party and the "underdog" party attracting the ACLU and getting a large percentage of minority voters.


There's a start, trying to be as objective as I can be.

__________________
Innominate.

rogue49

wilbjammin that's an Excellent description
very fair.

nirol

Perhaps this quote from PJ O'Rourke will help some.

When you looked at the Republicans, you saw the scum of the top of business. When you looked at the Democrats, you saw the scum of the top of politics. Personally, I prefer business. A businessman will steal from you directly instead of getting the IRS to do it for him. And when Republicans ruin the environment, destroy the supply of affordable housing and wreck the industrial infrastructure, at least they make a buck of it. The Democrats just do these things for fun. Also, the Democrats wanted the federal government to solve every one of Americas problems, from AIDS to making sure the kids wipe their feet before they come in the house. For chrissake, the federal government can´t even deliver mail, and how hard is that? The stuff´s got our address right om it and everything.
- Attack of the Midget Vote-Suckers / Parliament of Whores (1991)

__________________
'Tis better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
Samuel Johnson (1709 - 1784)

Conclamo Ludus

Republicans are elephants and Democrats are donkeys.

I like elephants for certain jobs, and donkeys for others. They both make decent work animals. The elephants are tough to push around sometimes though, and the donkeys, well they're stubborn mules. That's why you have to fit the right animal to the right task at the right time. Which isn't as easy as it sounds.

__________________
Lord, have mercy on my wicked soul
I wouldn't mistreat you baby, for my weight in gold.
-Son House, Death Letter Blues