Political Parties The Two Party System polk政党两党制波尔克.k12.ga.us.pptVIP

Modern Political Parties: The Two Party System Class Lecture Republicans vs. Democrats Economic Policies Republicans 1. Free Market Policies (Laissez Faire: The Free Hand) 2. Capitalism and the importance of economic competition 3. Limit government regulation of business 4. “Trickle Down” Economics 5. Tax Cuts 6. Welfare Reform 7. Limit federal government funding of social programs 8. Oppose the International Kyoto Treaty (designed to limit air pollution) because it limits economic growth Democrats Consistent government funding of social programs (universal health care, medicare, medicaid, social security, welfare, etc.) Minimum wage Progressive income taxes to pay for increased social services Support labor unions Oppose unregulated business Generally are environmentalists Support government subsidies for farmers 2. More capital is freed up to build factories/ offices. More middle class employees will be needed to run the new facility. 3. These factories/offices will produce cheap consumer goods for the poor. 1. Tax Breaks government incentives for the wealthy Republican Economic Policy “Trickle Down Economics” 3. Production grows to meet the demand. New factories are opened and money is generated for the wealthiest class of Americans. 1. Tax breaks government incentives for the poor 2. Money is freed up to buy consumer goods. More middle class employees will be needed produce the goods to meet the demand. Democrat Economic Policy Conservative vs. Liberal Conservative One who favors traditional American Judeo-Christian views and values Republicans tend to be more conservative Liberal One who supports the freedom of individuals to act or express themselves as they choose Democrats tend to be more liberal Social Policies Republicans Socially Conservative Personal Responsibility Oppose abortion Oppose same sex marriage Support faith based initiatives (prayer in schools) Oppose racial quotas (affirmative action) Support gun ownership rights