5.2 Democrats Flashcards
1
Q
6 - understand and just skip
Outline Democrat views on social and moral issues
A
- Abolition of death penalty
- Support LGBT relationships e.g. Respect for Marriage Act 2022
- Staunchly pro-choice
- Build clean energy economy + push climate change efforts
- Accept 2nd amendment, but advocate greater background checks and regulation
- Reinstate Dreamer protections
2
Q
4
Outline Democrat views on economic issues
A
- not renew Trump tax cuts (set to expire after 2025)
- Raise minimum wage to $15hr and ensure equal pay
- Expand safeguards on risky Wall St trading
- IRA 2022 - greater government intervention ($738m clean energy subsidies)
3
Q
2
Outline Democrat views on welfare issues
A
- Expansive healthcare insurance (some advocate universal)
- Debt relief proposals
4
Q
3
List the factions of the Democrats
A
- Liberals (progressive left)
- Moderates (centre)
- Conservatives (right)
5
Q
4
Describe the democrat faction: liberals
A
- More comfortable with government intervention for social justice and protect rights of all
- Advocate universal healthcare, green new deal
- 2021, 6 progressive democrats held up passage of Biden infrastructure bill until social security package included
- Notable figures: the ‘squad’, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren
6
Q
3
Describe the democrat faction: moderates
A
- Liberal values but compromise on specifics
- e.g. Diane Feinstein opposed death penalty and supports climate change efforts, but opposed government takeover of healthcare
- Notable figures: Chuck Schumer
7
Q
3
Describe the democrat faction: conservatives
A
- Socially and morally conservative, but agree with Democrats on fiscal and economic policy
- Increasingly uncommon in era of hyperpartisanship
- Notable former figures: Kyrsten Sinema, Joe Manchin
8
Q
4
Describe the Democrats and gender
A
- Historically attract greater female vote
- Due to pro-life stance and greater number of female politicians
- 2020: 55% women backed Biden vs 48% men
- Important as female turnout higher
9
Q
5
Describe the Democrats and race
A
- Greater support from racial minorities
- Greater functional representation
- Affirmative action, voting rights and immigration policies
- 2020: Biden 92% of black vote
- 2020 - eligible hispanic turnout over 50% for 1st time
10
Q
2
Describe Democrats and education
A
- Those with college-degree more likely to vote for Clinton and Biden
11
Q
3
Describe the arguments that the democrats are united/disunited
A
- Social/moral
- Economic
- Welfare
12
Q
3
Describe the argument that the democrats are united - social and moral
A
- Super progressives a small group that lack senators and govenors → limited to representatives
- No Democrat senators voted against Respect for Marriage Act 2022
- Little democrat challenge to Biden in 2024 primaries despite Biden Israel support
13
Q
5
Describe the argument that the democrats are disunited - social and moral
A
- Primary divide
- 2021, Representative Henry Cuellar only Democrat to vote against Women’s Health Protection Act (in response to Texas Heartbeat Bill)
- Manchin is pro-life and endorsed Republican bill to end federal funding for planned parenthood
- Machin also abstained from DREAM Act 2010 bill
- 2023, 9 House democrats voted to ban race theories being taught in military-ran schools
14
Q
4
Describe the argument that the democrats are united - economic
A
- electability leads to greater fiscal caution, squeezing the liberals
- Manchin and Sinema backed IRA 2022
- No Democrats voted for Trump’s 2017 tax cuts
- Schumer and Pelosi, 2 moderates, co-operated with Sanders to create budget resolution in American Rescue Plan of 2021 - $300bn unemployment benefit
15
Q
3
Describe the argument that the democrats are disunited - economic
A
- Liberals much more hostile to big business
- 2021, 6 progressive democrats held up passage of Biden infrastructure bill until social security package included
- Amazon HQ debate
