Political Ideology and the Views of the Democratic and Republican Parties
This essay is comprised of two components. The essay must be at least 1000 words overall. Please include a works cited page as well.
Part One:
Begin by completing the following political ideology quizzes:
Advocates for Self Government a libertarian website: www(dot)theadvocates(dot)org/quizLinks to an external site.
Pew Research Center for People & the Press: www(dot)people-press(dot)org/typlogy/quizLinks to an external site.
Next, analyze the results. Do you believe that these quizzes accurately measured your ideological leanings to the right or the left? Why or why not?
Part Two:
Some people argue that there are no significant differences between the two major parties. Backing up your perspective with appropriate sources, what are the major differences and similarities in the views of the Democratic and Republican parties (e.g., this review of party platforms, 1856-2016 www(dot)washingtonpost(dot)com/graphics/politics/2016-election/conventions/party-platform-evolution/Links to an external site.)? What are the primary areas of difference between contemporary Democrats and Republicans? How are the two parties similar? What are the consequences of these patterns for voters and election outcomes? For policy outcomes?
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Part One
The results from the advocates for self-government show that I am conservative. Similarly, the results from Pew Research Center indicated that I am a committed conservative. I believe that these results accurately measured my ideological leanings. There are several reasons for holding this belief. First, I am a strong advocate for personal responsibility and liberty. I believe that society should be such that a person is taught national values when they are young and left to live within them. Secondly, I am a firm believer in traditional values and norms. Traditional societies have fewer ills compared to modern ones. The main reason for the difference could be attributed to ideals. Committed conservatives hold similar views.
Thirdly, I am a great advocate for a strong military and defense. I believe that we should be able to protect our internal security and borders. While we should be concerned about what happens in other nations, we should ensure that our national security is intact. I also believe that the government should invest significantly in combatting terrorism. America has had painful lessons from terror attacks. A great example is the 911 attacks. A remarkable ability to combat the nation would ensure that people are always protected. Businesses can also thrive in a terror-free environment. In addition, foreign investors are also attracted to countries with whose political stability is solid.
Fourthly, I strongly advocate for free markets and regulation of government spending. Governments should not overtax citizens. Instead, they should lower spending and create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive. When business is thriving, most people in the country will have jobs and an income. I find the idea of taxing the rich to improve the situation of the poor twisted. The focus should be encouraging the poor to be engaged in business through measures such as reduced taxation. In light of the above observations, I would consider myself a conservative. Consequently, the quizzes accurately measured my ideological leanings.
Part Two
For a long time now, Republicans and Democrats have had radically different political ideologies. One such difference emanates from the view on economic policy. Democrats advocate for the involvement of government in regulating businesses and taxes. On the other hand, republicans advocate for less government involvement in business. They also advocate for less taxes and free markets. The second main area where the two parties differ is on social issues. Democrats are supportive of various social issues, such as same-sex marriage rights and rights on reproduction. On the other hand, republicans advocate for traditional values. Therefore, republicans oppose contemporary social issues such as same-sex marriages. The two parties also differ in their approach to healthcare. Democrats advocate for increased access to healthcare through mechanisms such as the affordable care act. On the other hand, republicans believe that governments should have little role in healthcare (Pew Research Center). The two parties also differ in their views on climate change. Democrats strongly a...