US Democracy and Participation - Topic 5.2.2

Question 1

What factions split the Democratic Party?

Answer 1

Liberals, Moderates and Conservatives

Question 2

What atrributes the Democrat liberal faction?

Answer 2

This faction lies on the left of the party. They’re more comfortable with government intervention if it can hel achieve equality and fight for the protection of rights of everyone.

Progressives in the party held up Biden’s infrastructure bill, which was a key part of his Build Back Better agenda. They refused to vote for the bill alone, hoping to combine it with a large social security package.

Notable figures:

• Bernie Sanders (Senator I-VT)
• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Rep. D-NY-14)
• Elizabeth Warren (Senator D-MA)

Question 3

What attributes the Democrat moderate faction?

Answer 3

Moderates are those in the centre of the party. This groups is likely to hold liberal values but be willing to compromise on some of the specifics.

Notable figures:

• Joe Biden (President D)
• Chuck Schumer (Senator D-NY)

Question 4

What attributes the Democrat conservative faction?

Answer 4

Conservative Democrats are those on the very right of the party. They’re increasingly uncommon but share fiscal and economic policy with the Democrats. However, they tend to be more morally and social conservative.

Notable figures:

• Joe Manchin (Senator I-WV)
• Kyrsten Sinema (Senator I-AZ)

Question 5

What factions split the Republican Party?

Answer 5

Moderates, Fiscal Conservatives and Social Conservatives

Question 6

What attributes the Republican moderate faction?

Answer 6

Moderates tend to favour more conservative fiscal policy, looking for lower taxes and more business-friendly policies. However, they sometimes have more liberal views on the issue of rights. They are, too, increasingly sparse.

Notable figures:

• Lisa Murkowski (Senator R-AK)
• Susan Collins (Senator R-ME)
• Mitt Romney (Senator R-UT)

Question 7

What attributes the Republican fiscal conservative faction?

Answer 7

Fiscal conservatives have a keen focus on the size and cost of government, notably with a view of cutting it down to reduce taxes and allow greater economic freedom for businesses and Americans. Social and moral issues don’t concern them in a significant way.

Notable figures:

• Ron DeSantis (Governor R-FL)
• Ben Sasse (Senator R-NE)

Question 8

What attributes the Republican social conservative faction?

Answer 8

Sometimes known as the ‘religious right’, they take a conservative view on social matters, supporting the death penalty and gun rights and opposing abortion and social welfare. Their opposition is based on the moral implications of these issues.

Notable figures:

• Ted Cruz (Senator R-TX)
• Majorie Taylor Greene (Rep. R-GA-14)