Political ideologies in the United States vary considerably, people often classify themselves as either adhering to positions along the political spectrum as liberals, progressive, moderate or conservative. In the world of politics we generally decide that the Democratic Party represents the liberal ideas, while the Republican Party commonly represents the conservatives. From the understanding of this course we define the term American conservative as a political philosophy that emphasizes prosperity, security and tradition above other values. Whereas liberals are also a political party that emphasizes individualism, equality and civil rights above other values. In simpler terms stress economic rights, whereas liberals emphasizes civil rights.
There are many differences between the American conservatives and American liberals view of human nature. Conservatives believe that the individual Americans have a right to defend themselves and their families with guns and that the right cannot be taken away by any methods short of a Constitutional
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The liberal views tend to favor public assistance programs, cut in military spending, a progressive tax system and government regulation is such as areas as the food and drug industry, occupational safety and health, housing, transportation and energy. They believed in a mixed economy, one that is capitalist free market with limited government regulation and intervention is seen as ideal. Unlike their counterparts, conservatives in the United States traditional favor policies that responds to strong national defense, deregulation of business and industry and a tax cut on capital gains and inheritances. “They often staunch oppose social spending on the grounds that give away programs reward sloth and indolence. (Magstadt, 23)” They tend to be for policies that are pro government
In the United States of America, for instance, American liberalism and conservatism are two main ideologies common within the state. However, both ideologies originated from more generic liberalism (Shively, 2014). Apart from these two ideologies, the socialism and fascism are other forms of ideologies that are prominent in the
People’s views on a wide range of issues are influenced or determined by the kind of foundational belief systems they hold. Therefore, the difference in the nature of opinions among individuals or groups of people alludes to the existence of distinct belief systems. In the course of history, the distinction between Liberalism and Conservatism has become more vivid particularly in the political arena where various players have expressed opposing points of view regarding the nation’s future. It is indeed undisputable that the foundational beliefs of Liberalism are diametrically opposed to those of Conservatism. This essay will give a definition of each term and describe how the two oppose each other.
In 1792, the world’s oldest political party, the Democratic Party, was founded. During the presidency of President Andrew Jackson in 1830, the party adopted its name as the Democratic Party as it is known now. Prior to the renaming of the party, it was known as the Democratic-Republican Party founded by James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson in opposition of the Federalist Party. The Democratic Party’s purposed served to supported states’ rights and the strict interpretation of the Constitution (Mayne, 1). Correspondingly, providing financial support to family based agriculture was one of their main priorities (Mayne, 1). The Federalist Party, their opposition, consisted of wealthy elites that strived, and fought for one strong all ruling national government, rather than state governments. As the United States had just recently become independent, the Democratic-Republican Party was determined to prevent the United States from becoming a monarchy. Over the next century, the Democratic-Republican party began to split due to the lack of agreement on major ideas which led to the current two-party system. However, some ideologies remain the same such as moral stance, and socioeconomic status. Other ideologies like economic view and stance on government power have caused this split between the Democratic and Republican parties (Mayne, 22). It is imperative to remember that even though these two parties are completely different, they originated from the same party with one main goal; “To create a government that is run for and by its people” (Mayne, 23). I have still not developed a political identity, but over the past three years of my residence in the United States, I am more in favor of the Democratic Party and what they stand for.
The two system to me is the Republicans are more old school against gay marriages, abortions and believe it should be a man and woman as husband and wife. The Democrats are the more new school which they basically believe in letting people be who they are and make their own decisions. I support democrats because although I personally wouldn’t marry another or have an abortion if America is the land of the free, why can’t people do what they want with their lives and bodies. Just because I’m more traditional doesn’t mean everyone must be. I know people who have had an abortion and I don’t see them as people it was their choice and sometimes people like to plan things out when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth. I have a gay brother who dresses like a woman and I don’t get upset I’m pretty much like it’s not for me.
The conservative movement has played a crucial role in American politics in the post war era. Ronald Story and Bruce Laurie indentify various elements of the American conservatism. These elements include challenging authoritarian governments and modernist culture, upholding tradition, Christian religion and the rule of law, defending western civilization, and supporting republicanism. American conservatism has been characterized by competing ideologies and tension throughout history. The Americans who are politically liberal and economically conservative favor free trade, minimal state intervention, low taxes, and a small government. On the other hand, conservatives hold the view that American traditional values are normally undermined by
Democrats vs. Republicans!!! I suppose there must have been a time when these two parties co-existed respectively. Well the aftermath of the George Bush era has shown a lot different scenario. Most notably upon the heels of President Barack Obama being elected to two consecutive terms in 2008 and 2012. Hence, this is when the true division of a supposedly fruitful country showed its true colors.
Growing up in a family that had never had any concerns about Republican and Democratic parties has influenced me in a sense that I have never asked myself an elementary question: “What is the difference between Republicans and Democrats?” I can say without a doubt that English and Political Science had influenced me to explore this topic, these two classes lead me to think deeper and help me to realized who I am in a political perspective. Now that I know that Democrats are liberal and Republicans are conservative; one believes that time moves and we have to adapt to time and progress, meanwhile others think that we inherited America from founding fathers and should maintain everything as it was at the beginning. After evaluating all the perspective
Different ideologies tend to appeal to different demographic characteristics such as gender, class, race, etc. because a person’s background will affect which system of ideas they most closely align with. Liberalism and conservatism, for example, are ideologies that regularly contradict each other, because they appeal to different demographics based upon many factors such as class, race, gender, religion, etc. The general worldview of liberalism is that people have individual rights and liberty, while promoting progress. On the other hand, conservatism places greater importance of keeping tradition and strict regulation of rules. In determining the extent of appeal to different demographics, one must assess the ways in which both ideologies
In this case, it is the responsibility of the government to eliminate social problems, protect human rights and improve the lifestyles of the citizens. Most importantly, liberal ideas focus purely on the role of government to improve lives of citizens. Conservatives emphasize the need to empower people to achieve their goals. In this case, the government is supposed to provide an enabling environment to promote personal development. Characteristics of Conservative system of governance are free markets, individual liberty, personal responsibility and traditional American values (Dye & MacManus, 2015).
In America, there are three major civic stances: conservatism, liberalism, and libertarianism. The liberal stance is the only stance, which offers the foundation to move forward. The following paper will briefly explain, certain aspects of conservatism and libertarianism, and will advance the idea, America must move forward with a more liberal attitude. At heart, this writing will argue a strong government is of the utmost importance in moving this country forward to the future. While other political agendas advocate liberty and freedom, the liberal stance truly offers a realistic approach and method of achieving those aspects of American life.
Conservatism, classical liberalism, and socialism have informed Western political economies since the Enlightenment. Conservatism views the individual as irrational, as well as being unequal in intelligence, status, and skills. Classical liberalism would say that individuals are viewed as having rights to life, liberty, and property and is capable of reasoning out the laws of nature. Socialism views individuals as caring and social beings. Conservatism views society as separated into groups and that harmony exists when these groups are capable of working together.
A political ideology is a closely linked set of beliefs about politics. Political ideologies offer their adherents well organized theories that propose goals for the society and the means by which those goals can be achieved. (Americian Government pg.18) The two most common ideologies that come to my mind are the conservatism and liberalism, to in nonprofessional terms Republican and Democrat. The two parties differ in what they believe. The beliefs of one are totally opposite to the next. George Lakoff (Moral Politics) penned this book which simply asks “How Liberals and Conservatives think. In my reading of some of
History specialists, in recent decades contend that the conservatism has assumed a significant part in American governmental issues and society since the American Revolution. Historians have stressed that a composed and moderate development has assumed a key part in governmental issues since the 1950s. The foundational conviction framework decides perspectives on particular issues. Taking a look at the center convictions of Conservatism and Liberalism, one can comprehend and clarify the distinctive stands taken on particular issues and the vision each has for the United States. These convictions are contrary energies in every territory. The conservative standards were set by President Ronald Reagan in the 1980’s. Many people do argue that liberalism has made the United States what it is today but conservatism deserves that accolade. This purpose of this paper is to study how conservatism has made America what it is today compared to liberalism.
Additionally, Liberals advocate for government regulation of economy, on the pretense of protecting the common man against monopolies, trusts, massive corporation and the like; but are against any intervention on the social level; meaning that people should be free to do and believe whatever they please, assuming it’s not against the law; and are against anything that interferes with free choice; to some extent, they believe that corporations are greedy and can’t be trusted. They feel that the government should work in the public interest and that it must act to protect individuals.
In the United States today, there are two main political parties. These parties are known as the Democratic and Republican Party. Political Parties represent broad points of view or ideologies that present people with alternative approaches to how the government should be run (American Government Textbook). The Democratic Party is known as the liberal left side and the Republican known as the conservative right side. Most American’s associate themselves with either being a Democrat or a Republican, however, there are other parties known as third parties. Each party has a different view on major topics such as taxes, gun control, health care, abortion, immigration and same sex marriage. In the duration of this essay, I will define the differences of beliefs