US Political Parties Flashcards
Key Democratic Party values, principles and policies
- Large government
- Higher taxes on rich people
- Expansion of affordable healthcare
- Civil rights extended
- Pro choice
- Stricter gun control
- More immigration
- USA cooperate with WHO, NATO
- Environmental policies
Key Republican Party values, principles and policies
- Small government
- Lower taxes on rich people
- Affordable healthcare for older
- Civil rights gone enough
- Pro life
- 2nd amendment upheld
- Anti immigration
- USA less interested in WHO, NATO
- Sceptical of climate change
Key organisational features of political parties in the USA
- Lack of clear leader
- State based, weak central bodies
- Associated/interest groups lots of power
Leadership in US parties
Both parties have party leaders
- Rep Steve Scalise and Dem Hakeem Jeffries
State-based parties and weak central structures
Local Parties
- 50 Republican and Democratic parties
- Organize primaries, no impact in candidate selection
National Party Organizations
- National Committees (DNC & RNC)
- Organize national convention
- Hill committee try to get members of party in Congress
Associated groups
- Affiliated to parties but independent
- Democratic Socialists of America
- Endorsed AOC in 2018
Significant changes in US parties over the last 50 years
Geography
- Republicans dominate in South while West/East is Democrats
Ideology
- Republicans became more conservative while Democrats more liberal
- Lyndon 1964 “Lost South for generation”
Demographics
- Rep white rural, Dem minorities, urban
Cohesiveness
- Both much united than ever
How united are US parties today?
Very united
- 2018, HOR Rep stick with their 91%, Dem 89%
- Trump 2019 impeachment
- Most Rep pro life, while Dem pro choice
- Not many criticised Trump takeover
Very Divided
- Trump 2021, 10 Republicans voted to impeach
- Some Rep disagree with Trump on tariffs
- 2017 69%, 2018 50% Senators stick with party
- Trump failed to repeal Obamacare
The main factions in Democratic party
Blue Dog Colation
- Try to find common ground with Republicans
New Democrat Coalition
- Pro economic growth, life, innovation
Congressional Progressive Caucus
- Most liberal
- Bernie Sanders
The main factions in Republican party
Tuesday Group
- Try to find common ground with Democrats
Republican Study Committee
- Limited government, 2nd amend, defense spending
Freedom Caucus
- Most conservative wing
Are US parties in decline or enjoying renewal?
Decline
- Growth of primaries
- Individual campaign
- Low voter turnout
- National parties small role
- Conflicting policies
Renewal
- Primaries promote party loylaty
- Personal campaign includes party values
- Turnout fluctuating
- Low split ticket voting
