by Marty Adkns

Created on: December 23, 2008

In a discussion of the Republican and Democratic parties in terms of philosophy it should first be noted that they are unique in the world. In most countries, with Britain as the best example, parties are much more ideologically oriented. With recent exceptions, traditionally the British Labour Party and the Conservative Party have been distinct in their approach with the former historically determined to create a socialist state.

In Contrast the Republican and Democratic party are not nearly as philosphically divided. They can however be loosely described as center right and center left respctively. The first past the post system of elections as opposed to proportional representation has made each of these organizations rather inclusive. There being only two major parties the range of philosophies in each can be quite broad. This is not to say there are not distinctions.

The Democratic party has a general notion of a drive toward positive liberty. The general approach is that economic liberty is a required for any real freedom. Toward that end the party generally favors a course of government intervention designed to equalize economic status. The notion of sharing the wealth more equitably is seen as a laudable goal.

There are distinct factions within the Democratic party due to the inclusive nature created by the American political system. Elements of a rather hard left and more conservative right within the organization. The notion of progressivism in terms of government intervention in order to asssist progress is common to most Democrats.

The Republican party conversely tends to view the notion of rights in a more individualistic light. For most Republicans the best government is that which governs least. The spectrum of opinion, as was noted, is somewhat broad with a fairly recent trend of fusionism between the social conservative and libertarian element. This fusion has lead to some degree of factionalism with some considerable debate on what it means to be a republican.

The divisions within the Republican party can be quite diverse. They include not only the previously mention libertarian and social conservatives but also the so called country club Republicans. The Republicans of the latter sort tend to be more inclined to give government a substantial role in controlling the economy.

The big tent system developed uniquely in American by its electoral system means it is possible to identify individuals as conservative Democrats or liberal Republicans. It is however, the Republican party that is identified more as conservative and the Democratic party more identified as progressive, or in the uniquely American usage of the word, liberal. Why they often disagree, they are more often far closer to each other in outlook than two competing national parties would typically be on the world stage.

Learn more about this author, Marty Adkns.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.