Political Parties

American Government 9/9/25

The Government

Has power over the country and makes laws/decisions for people.

Constitution

Establishes the government by setting up rules for people and gives people their rights.

Founding Fathers

They wrote the constitution.

Mistrust of the Government

The belief that the government is not doing what is right for people.

Politics

A distribution of power; all politicians want to be in the government to gain more power to make changes.

Political Spectrum

Your views on issues determine where you are located on this scale.

Liberals/Democrats

Want an active, involved government to solve people's problems, advocate for change, trust human nature, value personal freedom/choice over order, believe society should work toward equality, and want freedom, equality, and change.

Conservatives/Republicans

Prefer a limited government to solve people's problems, need a good reason for change, distrust human nature, value order and traditional values over personal choice, believe individuals should work toward bettering themselves, and don't like change or human nature.

Moderates

People who share views with both liberals and conservatives depending on the issue. They are located in the middle of the political spectrum.

Political Party

A group of people who share similar beliefs about how the country should be run.

Democratic Party

Usually attract: LGBTQ+, BIPOC (racial groups), urban/cities, immigrants, women, middle/working class, east and west coast. Prefers: more government in the economy, higher taxes on the rich, more spending on government social programs to help people in need, less spending in military, stricter gun control laws, abortions should be legal.

Republican Party

Usually attracts: wealthy class, businesses, older people, Christian/Jewish people, men, rural areas. Prefers: less government in the economy, lower taxes, more gun rights, private organizations to help people in need, more spending on military, stricter immigration laws and border patrols, against abortions.

Independents

People who are not associated with a political party and vote based on issues rather than party.