can someone summarize the differences between the Republican and Democratic party?

[The_Reporter]

I used to think I knew the differences, but then I learned about libertarian Republicans. So can someone explain the non-social differences between the two parties (that is, not the abortion, or marijuana, or gay mairrage differences)

[just me]

Republicans
__________
1.) For war, they believe that hey shouldn't back down to a challenge.
lol thats all i know im in eighth grade, im trying to learn about politics

[Jillian Galloway]

The Republicans are morons and the Democrats are morons too. Oh wait ..that's not a difference that's a similarity. Sorry.

[Gaye Pourne]

its the WWE of politics. on stage they smackdown each other like there is no tomorrow. behind the scenes they wife-swap and are the best of buddies.

you need to realize that this is NOT a two party system
turn off your tv
read a foreign news paper

[pace]

Although many say that both parties share a similar American creed, they do have key differences. Note: This follows the assumption that Republicans (GOP) follow the conservative ideology, while Democrats (Dems) follow the liberal ideology. Also, there is a difference between liberalism, and libertarianism.

The Economy:

GOP: Believe the free market and laws of supply/demand should dictate economic policy. If the economy does require regulation, the government should focus on the supply side.

Dems: Believe the economy requires an "invisible hand", with regulation that protects against instability in the market. When regulation is required, the government should focus on the supply side.

Taxes:

GOP: Believe that over-taxation of the rich (producers) is hurtful to the economy and job creation.

Dems: Believe that taxation of those who have money is necessary to assist those who do not.

Responsibility:

GOP: Believe in "personal responsibility"

Dems: Believe in "social responsibility"


National Defense/Foreign Policy:

GOP: Believe safety of the US is paramount, and that the US should use any means necessary to protect itself.

Dems: Believe that negotiation and cooperation is paramount to foreign relations.

[kagmi]

Well, the economic differences between Democrats and Republicans boils down to this: taxes, spending, and regulations. Basically, Democrats like to tax, spend, and regulate. Republicans like to keep the government out of business and personal finances--for better or for worse. Here are some examples.

Democrats like to raise taxes on the wealthy (currently, they want to raise taxes on those who make over $250,000 per year). Then, they like to spend that money on public works and welfare programs such as unemployment benefits, healthcare for the poor, and public education.

Democrats also like to put regulations on businesses that they see as being for the public good, such as stricter limits on pollution, stricter safety standards, requiring businesses to provide healthcare for their workers, etc..

Republicans, on the other hand, like to lower taxes, particularly on the wealthy, who they say are unfairly taxed a higher percentage of their income than anyone else. They also like to cut public spending, believing that government spending is inefficient and that public needs are better met by private businesses and free market forces.

Republicans also like to relax regulations. They say that these factors (fewer regulations and lower taxes) allows businesses to grow and create new jobs. They often think that regulations such as restrictions on carbon emissions or requirements to provide employees with healthcare hurt businesses and job creation by increasing business costs.

I personally don't think the evidence supports the Republican theory that less taxation and less spending is better for our society. I think that certain facts contradict that, like the fact that the richest Americans have actually gotten richer during this recession. But that's just me. What's your opinion?