Party Differences in American Politics

Political parties are loosely formed around these broad political ideologies, or bodies of ideas. Of the two major political parties, for example, Republicans are generally seen as conservative because they advocate a reduction in government. Republicans support government intervention in social activities such as gay rights, abortion, and recreational use of drugs such as marijuana. Democrats are generally seen as liberal because they support government regulation of the economy, are willing to raise taxes to provide for social programs, and they call for less government involvement in social issues such as reproductive rights.