Although there are numerous political parties in the United States, only two have any political power - the Democrats and the Republicans. When an American registers to vote, they have only three choices - Independent, Democrat or Republican. But in the voting booth, why would an American vote Democrat or Republican? It's usually due to how closely that person stand on ten major issues.

Taxes

Republicans are for getting rid of as many taxes as possible, especially for the rich. Republicans are for a flat tax, where everyone would pay the same percentage in taxes, regardless of how much money they make. Democrats feel that the rich should be taxed more than the poor.

Treatment of The Poor

Republicans feel that anyone who is poor is poor because of their own faults and so are undeserving of any outside help. Democrats feel that people are poor partially die to forces they cannot control and need outside help in order to become viable contributing members of society.

The American Dream

The Republican's American dream is to make as money as possible and make sure their families live as comfortably as possible. The Democrat's American dream is one day waking up to see that everyone has a job, food, housing and access to affordable health care.

Government Involvement

Republicans believe in small government. They only want the government to defend the country, lower taxes and defend the rich and that's about it. Democrats see that government action can help to make positive change on the national, state and local levels.

Government Services

Republicans, generally, do not support such government services as welfare, Social Security or Medicare because they feel people will always take advantage of these services. Democrats believe in services like these because they believe people need a helping hand once in a while.

Basic Human Instinct

Republicans believe that at their core people will do the right thing - no matter what it is. Democrats believe that people will get away with anything unless there is a serious chance that they could go to jail for their behaviour.

Change

Republicans do not like change because it could lead to a slippery slope to ruin on just about anything. Democrats see change as the only way to get things done properly.

The Environment

Republicans do not recognise an environmental crisis is currently happening. Any problems they may recognise should be changed by industries regulating themselves.

Gun Control

Republicans are against gun control because they feel gun ownership is protected under the Constitution. Democrats know too many people who have been shot and believe that people in this day and age do not have the right to carry guns.

Abortion

Generally, Republicans are against abortion while Democrats are for it. Although this is an issue that involves very few Americans in their day-to-day lives, sometimes this is the only political issue that Americans will pay attention to.

Learn more about this author, Rena Sherwood.
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