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Politics in the United States of America are often difficult to understand. For many Americans, it may seem as though Democrats and Republicans are exactly the same. And while both parties engage in tactics that make them appear to have the same ideas, both parties have very different worldviews and the role of government in our nation.

The easiest way to understand the differences between the two parties is their views on size of government. Through this prism many of their ideas, though not all, can be understood.

Republicans in principle favor a smaller government, while Democrats tend to favor a larger government. There are many positions Republicans can take from this idea of a smaller government.

A smaller government is less intrusive; therefore there are fewer taxes because a smaller government doesn't need as many taxes. Also this smaller government wouldn't spend time regulating businesses because the idea of a smaller government is to not be intrusive. While these positions go along with the idea of a smaller government, some mainstream Republican principles don't correlate with a smaller government.

The idea of family values and religion tend to play a large part in Republican views. Republicans tend to support laws that outlaw abortions, gay marriage, and laws that promote the expansion of religion in society like prayer in schools and teaching creationism. Another principle Republicans tend to follow is a strong military. Therefore Republicans usually support any military spending.

Democrats take many positions from the idea of a larger government. The idea of a larger government is so that it can give maximum aid, facilities, services, infrastructure, and fairness that the market can't do on it's on.

Someone who is a Democrat would potentially be in favor of higher taxes because it would help fund programs and services that would benefit him and his community. Democrats would also be in favor of regulation of businesses because unregulated business can prevent fairness in the system.

Democrats have other ideals as well that go along with this. Democrats tend to favor progressive social programs such as universal health care and social security because they believe certain things are too important to be left to businesses. When it comes to family values, Democrats tend to want the government out of their private lives.

Although it can be difficult to understand the differences between the Republicans and the Democrats, it may be easier to think of well known figureheads and their differences. How does George Bush differ from Bill Clinton? Ronald Reagan from Barack Obama. Once you start to understand how different administrations operate you will have a clearer picture of how the parties differ.

Learn more about this author, Kaarina St. John.
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