Democrats and Republicans: Values, Principles, and Policies (AQA A-Level Politics): Revision Notes
Democrats and Republicans: Values, Principles, and Policies
Introduction: The evolution of American political parties
American political parties have undergone a dramatic transformation over the past century. Unlike British parties, which have historically been defined by clear ideological positions embedded in their names (Liberal, Conservative, Labour), US parties operated for much of their history as broad, inclusive coalitions. The country's vast size and diverse population necessitated this "big tent" approach to party building.
Ideology refers to the core beliefs and ideas that shape a political party's positions and policies. US parties were traditionally seen as much less ideological than their UK equivalents, focusing instead on building broad coalitions across diverse groups.
The New Deal Coalition assembled by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1930s exemplifies this non-ideological tradition. This coalition dominated American politics from the 1930s to the 1960s and contained seemingly contradictory groups: blue-collar workers and unions, racial minorities (including Jews, southern and eastern Europeans, and African-Americans), conservative white segregationists from the Deep South, welfare-dependent citizens, and liberal intellectuals. Such a diverse coalition would be virtually impossible to maintain in today's polarized political environment.
This lack of ideological clarity extended beyond the Democrats. General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Second World War hero, was courted by both major parties in the late 1940s and early 1950s. President Truman, a Democrat, even offered to stand aside for Eisenhower in 1948. Ultimately, Eisenhower chose to run as a Republican in 1952, demonstrating how party affiliation was once a matter of convenience rather than deep ideological conviction.
George Washington's warning
America's first president, George Washington, expressed profound concerns about political parties in his farewell address of September 1796. He predicted that parties would become dangerous instruments through which ambitious individuals could undermine representative government and seize power. Washington feared that citizens would become more loyal to their party than to the nation itself, creating a form of political tribalism that would damage national unity and the common good.
History has largely vindicated Washington's concerns. Modern American politics is characterized by deep partisan divisions, with a 2020 poll revealing that 67% of Republicans believed the election was fraudulent. Prominent senators, including Ted Cruz, openly challenged the legitimacy of Electoral College votes from disputed states. The two parties are now separated by what might be called the political equivalent of the Grand Canyon.
The Democratic Party
The Democratic Party has evolved into a coalition advocating for active government intervention, social justice, and progressive reform. The party's values and policies reflect the priorities of its diverse voter base, including urban Americans, racial minorities, younger voters, and college-educated professionals.
Economic philosophy and taxation
Democrats believe that large government programmes are essential tools for lifting Americans out of poverty and creating opportunity. Rather than viewing government as an obstacle to freedom, Democrats argue that effective public services can enable individual enterprise and expand personal liberty. The party challenges the assumption that government involvement necessarily restricts freedom, suggesting instead that without government support, many Americans lack the resources to exercise meaningful choice.
The party advocates for higher taxes on the wealthiest Americans to fund social welfare programmes and public services. The 2020 Democratic platform explicitly committed to reversing Trump-era tax cuts that primarily benefited wealthy individuals and corporations. Democrats frame this as ensuring fairness, arguing that those who have benefited most from American society should contribute proportionally to its maintenance and improvement.
Healthcare
For Democrats, healthcare represents a fundamental right rather than a commodity. The party campaigns for expanded affordable healthcare coverage for all Americans, viewing the millions of uninsured citizens as a national disgrace. Democrats supported and defended the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and many within the party advocate for further expansion, with some supporting a single-payer "Medicare for All" system.
Civil rights and social justice
The Democratic Party positions itself as the champion of civil rights for minorities, including robust support for the LGBTQ+ community. Democrats advocate for legal protections against discrimination, equal access to services, and recognition of same-sex marriage and transgender rights.
The party maintains a strongly pro-choice position on abortion, viewing reproductive rights as fundamental to women's autonomy and equality. Being pro-choice has become virtually essential for Democratic candidates in primary elections. The case of Illinois congressman Dan Lipinski illustrates this: in 2020, this pro-life Democratic incumbent lost his primary challenge to Marie Newman, a more socially progressive candidate.
Democrats strongly defend the separation between church and state, arguing this principle is both constitutionally required and socially desirable. This does not mean Democrats are anti-religious—many have deep personal faith—but they oppose bringing religious doctrine into public policy or favouring one religion over others.
Criminal justice and policing
Following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, Democrats intensified their calls for police reform, particularly regarding racial justice issues. The party advocates for addressing systemic racism within law enforcement, implementing accountability measures, and rethinking approaches to public safety.
Gun control
Democrats support tightening gun control measures, arguing that the Second Amendment is not absolute and that reasonable restrictions can reduce gun violence. The party advocates for universal background checks, restrictions on assault weapons, and other regulatory measures.
Constitutional interpretation
Democrats prefer appointing Supreme Court justices who favour a "living Constitution" approach and judicial activism. They argue the Constitution should be interpreted as a dynamic document capable of addressing modern challenges and protecting rights not explicitly enumerated by the framers. This philosophy allows for discovering new constitutional protections, such as the right to privacy underlying abortion rights in Roe v Wade.
Judicial activism refers to the approach where judges interpret the Constitution broadly, allowing it to adapt to modern circumstances and recognizing new rights not explicitly mentioned in the text. This contrasts with judicial restraint, which takes a more literal, limited approach to constitutional interpretation.
Immigration
The party champions humane immigration reform, including support for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy and the DREAM Act. These measures would provide legal status to undocumented immigrants brought to America as children. Democrats generally support comprehensive immigration reform that creates pathways to citizenship whilst maintaining border security.
Cultural diversity
Democrats celebrate America's multicultural and multi-religious character as a positive strength rather than a challenge to national unity. The party embraces demographic change and cultural diversity as sources of national vitality and innovation.
International relations and climate change
Democrats advocate for international cooperation, supporting American engagement with international organizations and multilateral agreements. The party views global challenges like nuclear proliferation and climate change as requiring coordinated international responses.
Climate change and environmental protection represent urgent priorities for Democrats. The party supports aggressive action through policies like the "Green New Deal", viewing environmental degradation as an imminent threat requiring immediate, comprehensive government intervention.
The Republican Party
The Republican Party champions limited government, individual responsibility, traditional values, and free-market economics. The party's coalition includes rural Americans, white working-class voters, evangelical Christians, and business-oriented professionals.
Economic philosophy and taxation
Republicans express strong suspicion of large government programmes, viewing them as wasteful, inefficient, and counterproductive. The party argues that poverty is best addressed by incentivizing work and self-reliance rather than through welfare programmes. Many Republicans believe excessive government intervention stifles economic growth and individual initiative.
The party favours limited government involvement in economic regulation, trusting market forces to allocate resources efficiently. Republicans argue the economy performs best when government interference is minimized, allowing businesses and individuals to make their own decisions.
Republicans consistently advocate for lower taxes, including for high earners, reflecting their belief in "trickle-down economics"—the theory that reducing taxes on wealthy individuals and corporations stimulates economic growth that eventually benefits everyone. The party views taxation as a necessary evil that should be minimized to preserve individual freedom and economic dynamism.
Healthcare
Republicans believe healthcare provision should reflect personal choice and ability to pay. Whilst most Republicans support existing programmes like Medicare for older Americans and people with disabilities, the party generally opposes government-run healthcare systems. Republicans emphasize individual responsibility and market competition in healthcare delivery.
Civil rights and affirmative action
Republicans argue that civil rights protections have gone far enough and no further expansion is necessary. The party opposes affirmative action policies, viewing them as patronizing to minorities and unfair to other Americans. Republicans argue that all Americans should succeed through individual effort rather than receiving preferential treatment based on group identity.
The party shows strong antipathy towards much of the LGBTQ+ rights agenda. Whilst many Republicans now accept same-sex marriage following the Obergefell Supreme Court decision, they resist further expansion of LGBTQ+ rights, particularly regarding transgender issues. Some Republican-controlled states have passed "bathroom bills" restricting which public facilities transgender individuals may use.
Abortion and religion
Republicans maintain a strongly pro-life position, favouring greater restrictions on abortion access. Many within the party seek to overturn Roe v Wade entirely, viewing abortion as morally wrong and advocating for the protection of unborn life.
The party believes religion should have a place in public life, supporting practices like prayers in public schools. Republicans reject strict separation of church and state, arguing that America's religious heritage, particularly its Christian foundations, should be acknowledged and respected in public institutions.
Gun rights
Republicans vigorously defend the Second Amendment, viewing gun ownership as a fundamental individual right for both recreation (hunting) and self-defence. The party maintains strong ties to the National Rifle Association (NRA) and treats even moderate gun control measures with suspicion, viewing them as the first step toward disarming law-abiding citizens. Republicans frame gun rights as essential to personal freedom and protection against tyranny.
Constitutional interpretation
Republicans prefer Supreme Court justices who adopt an "originalist" position and practice judicial restraint. This philosophy holds that the Constitution should be interpreted according to its original meaning as understood by the framers, rather than adapting to contemporary values. Originalists argue that expanding constitutional rights beyond those explicitly stated represents judicial overreach.
Judicial restraint and originalism represent the conservative approach to constitutional interpretation. Judges should interpret the Constitution according to its original meaning and avoid creating new rights or expanding existing ones beyond what the text explicitly states. This contrasts sharply with the Democratic preference for judicial activism.
Cultural identity and immigration
Republicans express concern that America has become too culturally and racially diverse, arguing that traditional national identity has been compromised by multiculturalism and religious pluralism. This does not necessarily mean opposing all diversity, but rather questioning whether rapid demographic change has occurred without sufficient attention to maintaining national cohesion.
The party advocates for tightly regulated immigration enforcement, viewing illegal immigration as a serious problem requiring strong action. Republicans generally oppose amnesty for undocumented immigrants and support measures like enhanced border walls along the Mexican border and swift deportation of those in the country illegally.
International relations and climate change
Republicans, particularly in recent years, have shown skepticism toward international organizations like the United Nations, World Health Organization, and even NATO. The party argues that America subsidizes these bodies disproportionately whilst receiving insufficient benefit. Under President Trump, the party emphasized "America First" policies prioritizing narrow national interests over international cooperation.
Many Republicans express skepticism about climate change science and oppose rapidly transitioning away from fossil fuels, especially when these energy resources can be domestically sourced. The party questions both the severity of climate change and the economic costs of aggressive environmental policies.
Trump's impact on Republican policy
President Trump introduced some departures from traditional Republican positions, including greater protectionism and trade tariffs—moves away from the party's historical support for free trade. His more isolationist foreign policy contrasted with the interventionist "hawkish" approach of earlier Republican leaders like Bush, Cheney, and Rumsfeld. Notably, in 2020, the Republican Party simply readopted its 2016 platform rather than developing new policy positions.
Key Points to Remember:
- American parties have transformed from broad "big tent" coalitions into ideologically polarized organizations with clearly opposing policy platforms
- Democrats advocate for active government, progressive taxation, expanded healthcare, civil rights protection, gun control, abortion rights, separation of church and state, judicial activism, multiculturalism, immigration reform, and aggressive climate action
- Republicans champion limited government, lower taxes, personal responsibility, traditional values, gun rights, abortion restrictions, religion in public life, judicial restraint, stricter immigration enforcement, and skepticism toward climate change policies