How Conservatives and Republicans are similar

Question 1

Welfare and social justice

Answer 1

• Tend to favour reduction in role of the state
• Critical of big govt - attempt to reduce govt expenditure as % of GDP - leading to benefits cuts
• Stress personal responsibility
• Conservatives introduced major welfare cuts since 2010 - bedroom tax to reduce housing benefit
• Republicans opposed the ACA and supported cuts to food stamps (SNAP)

Question 2

Economic policy

Answer 2

• Govt intervention = risk to personal freedom
• Favour reductions in public expenditure - especially on welfare
• Champion reduction of taxation in general - especially by reducing taxes on the wealthy
• Have resisted the introduction and increase in the national minimum wage
• 115th Congress (Republican controlled in both houses) voted in favour of the Tax Cuts and Job Act 2017
• Cameron pledged tax cuts in first term

Question 3

Moral and social policy

Answer 3

• Both typically resisted or opposed extension and protection of civil rights
• Anti LGBTQ+ measures in Florida by Republicans in 2022 - passed controversial “don’t say gay” bill - in attempt to ban discussions of sexual orientation in classrooms
• Thatcher - discouraged promotion of homosexuality