How do I explain to my son, what the basic difference there is between a democrat and republican?

Answer 1

My parents told me, during the presidential election of 1988 (I was seven) that the difference was this:
Democrats are more willing to help those in need.
Republicans are more apt to force those in need to help themselves.
Explain to your son that both are needed, and that's what makes our country great!
Moderate conservative Republicans believe in the basic tenets of the Republican party, but are more likely to also believe that help should be there for those who truly need it.

Answer 2

Use Lewis Black's definition -- a democrat blows, a republican sucks.

Seriously though, as far as official stances go, a democrat is for a strong federal government that commands over all the states. They believe that it's government's job to take care of all the people and usually support a more global world over America retaining its identity as its own country with its own laws.

A republican is for small government and allowing the states to run themselves, except in cases where a state could decide to do something that is unconstitutional. They believe that a government should focus only on the jobs given to it by the Constitution and leave it mostly up to families to take care of themselves and give them the opportunity to succeed, rather than give it to them. They tend to support America being independent and not holding themselves accountable to the laws made by the global community.

Answer 3

How do i explain to you, what the basic difference there is between a democrat and republican?

Answer 4

I like john's explanation. For more detail: Republicans are made of 1) Supply-side devotees (tax-cutting being their main theme). However, they mostly believe tax cuts should be aimed at the upper tax brackets because they believe the rich are the ones that make the economy grow; economic growth inevitably helps everyone, they believe. They also think it's unfair for the rich to shoulder more of the burden than the middle class and poor. 2) small government thinkers (would like to restrain government's growth based on the principle that government is naturally a force of coercive evil. They would probably like to balance the budget, too) 3) social conservatives/the Christian right (who want to use government to enforce their "morals," but no one elses; they also tend to favor public assistance programs though) 4) libertarians. Often critical of the expansion of the government in the name of counter-terrorism. They share the belief of small government thinkers, but also are devoted to free markets meaning less regulation. All of their ideas are usually based on the Nonaggression principle. 5) 2nd Amendment people. Not much else to say there. 6) Entrepreneurial classes: people who think the government restrains business. They also believe business is naturally a force of good in free markets. This may or may not be the group that also has the business interests who leftists would claim use the Republicans as a platform to make them filthy rich. Democrats are made of: 1) Progressives (believe in using government to the utmost in order to correct what they perceive to be the injustices of unrestrained capitalism). May or may not be actual Socialists/Communists 2) Liberals, while like progressives want to solve their perceived injustices of capitalism, are not as far left as progressives. Liberals still believe in free markets; they would use less government intervention and probably rely more on social science research for public policy. 3) Democratic Libertarians (would really rather avoid using government to do too much, but also believe the government should do something. they are firmly committed to the bill of rights and individual liberty, though). The reason they are not the same as strict libertarians is mostly because they also believe the system produces inequality and it should be fixed via government. They just wouldn't use it very much to do so and would probably not use government to provide direct services. 4) Social liberals: mostly committed to social equality between the races, genders, sexualities etcs. They may or may not be in favor of using economic policy to further this agenda. 5) Centrists. They have a mixture of ideas about the role of government and how economics should be working. They're the ones who would use Tax Cuts to further one of their policy goals (but aim it at the lower+middle classes), shrink the government, streamline certain public programs that might not be working (even if taking it away is unpopular with progressives) and worry about the deficit (progressives probably don't care that much). You might disagree with how I'm basically implying only Democrats are centrists, but it's mostly true. See the graph for yourself. Oh, and just if you want to know, I would identify currently a Democratic Libertarian, but I'm not registered with a party (independent). **edit** apparently i can't count. I had it as 1,2,3,4,6,4 lol

Answer 5

A Republican is a conservative. He believes that government should play a minimum role in his life.

A democrat is a liberal. He believes that govedrnment should control every aspect of our lives, and should give us all our wants and needs from cradle to grave!

Answer 6

Democrats believe that the Government should control everything
They lean towards Socialism and try to buy votes from the
have - nots by promising more give away programs.

Republicans believe in limiting Government and allow people to
fend more for themselves

Answer 7

republicans have values and try to make this country suitable for ourselves and our children, as a whole. whereas, liberals are more concerned with themselves and blame their shortcomings on the latest fad while worrying more about being elected rather than running the government.
each are on opposite sides of the spectrum, and each person has the right to choose their opinions on each. thank you for listening to mine!

god bless america

Answer 8

The republicans are in office.

Answer 9

They are both people who want to change the country for the better. They just tend to disagree a lot on how to do it.

Answer 10

Democrats desire equal rights and natural progression of society and technology.

Republicans fear change and prefer a peking order of race, religion, and gender.


Well, that's how I see it. I suppose you could sugar coat it if you want to sound impartial.