I'm a novice when it comes to politics. How can I find a 'party' that shares my views and be affiliated with?

Question

I've never been into politics, but I'm realizing that I must know about them. I would like to know what each party stands for (Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Green, etc) so that I can make an educated decision on which party to place myself in. I recently started voting, and I would like my vote to be an educated one.

FYI, novice means the following:
a person who is new to the circumstances, work, etc., in which he or she is placed; beginner; tyro: a novice in politics (sited from Dictionary.com)

Answer 1

The United States tends to be more conservative overall. That is why you often hear the media label Democrats as "liberal" or "progressive". However, ever since the 70s, but more obvious in the 90s, the Democratic Party platform has definitely drifted towards the right (compared with the 60s).

Personally, I think that the Green Party has got it right. They value grassroots democracy, social justice, ecological wisdom, nonviolence, feminism, community-based economics, decentralization, local & global responsibility, sustainability/future focus, and respect for diversity. Their beliefs embody the progressive movement (from the perspective of global politics; the US tends to view Greens as too liberal for our country) and it's too bad that people are too afraid to vote for Green candidates.

People like to vote for lesser of two evils and tell themselves that in the end, it is better to compromise some of your beliefs in order to prevent the greater evil from being elected. The way I see it is that if all Americans voted in a way that they did not have to compromise their beliefs, we would be living in a nation with a different political landscape.

Like other people have said, it is up to you to decide for yourself. You can either vote out of fear that something worse will happen or vote out of your hopes, what you want to see your nation become.

Answer 2

First, I would suggest picking up a copy of the Federalist Papers. Any University book store should have a copy for less than ten bucks.

After understanding the conceptual framework our Forefathers drew from when constructing the Constitution, I would then critically evaluate how disparate (past and present) political trends are from the intentions and ideals of our Forefathers.

If you make it that far you'll come to a number of realizations which will probably leave you feeling somewhat uncomfortable, a bit disillusioned and possible even a little bitter - But fear not, you are nearly there!

You'll know enough then about our Constitution to know which policies are worthy of your vote, and which are fraudulent trespasses against your liberties and freedoms concealed behind misleading words. So whether you register with the red team or the blue team it won't really matter, you will know enough to vote according to your concerns, conscience and Constitution regardless of party affiliation.

Answer 3

I would search the internet. Try to find the official webpage for each party.

You should also know that the Republicans and Democrats lie on a regular basis. I suggest that you go Libertarian.

Answer 4

Democrats and Republicans ( Liberals and Conservatives ) believe in two different approaches to government. Democrats think that the government is best at solving peoples problems. Republicans think that people should solve their own problems. Democrats want high taxes and more controls on businesses and Republicans want lower taxes and less control over the people to let them think for themselves. I have conservative views and could explain them to you in detail, but since your only wanting the basics I'll stop.

Answer 5

The best thing you can do now is be an independent. Then as you grow in your political life you can see which party suites you the best.
Green is about environmental protection
Democrats are for Large Federal government
Republicans are for smaller Federal governments and states rights
Libertarians are for Limited Federal government and legalized drugs.

Answer 6

go independent, the republican party has gone democratic and the democratic party has gone communist, study the issues and vote what you want. remember the major parties follow the money, not your needs.

Answer 7

Don't ask this question here. It's like putting your email into a pop up window asking for it.

Also, try not to get your information from here either.

Answer 8

Start watching Fox News and reading the news and listening to the candidates. Then you have to decide who is lying the best and vote for the lesser of the evils.

Answer 9

Republicans stand for kidnap, torture and killing of innocent people.
Republicans are for helping oil companies and providing corporate welfare and wasting American lives for petroluem jelly to establish a stock pile for their gay sex parties.

Democrates care about Americans and human rights.

Answer 10

To answer your question fairly intelligently go to http://www.dontvote.com has good info on all the candidates and their platforms, voting records etc...