Evaluate The View That The Policies Of The Republicans and Democrats Are More Similar Than They Are Different. (30)

AGREE (FOREIGN POLICY)

Both parties share a tough stance towards China.

Trump started a trade war with China by placing tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of Chinese imports.

May 2024 Biden increased tariffs on Chinese goods that are central to the green economy such as Chinese-made electric cars and solar panels with the intention of promoting US domestic industry and counter Chinas dominance in these sectors.

 

 

DISAGREE 1.1 (FOREIGN POLICY)

Trumps Foreign policy focused on a more unilater and nationalist approach

Withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with iran. Both of these were negotiated by Obama and strongly supported by the Democrats. Biden rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement.

DISAGREE 1.2 (FOREIGN POLICY)

Many aspects of Trump’s foreign policy in his 2^nd term have shown major difference from the Democrats

Placed major tariffs on several countries including traditional ally Canada.

Also pushed for a quick peace deal to end war in Ukraine whereas DEMs advocate for continuing to support Ukraine with military aid.

DISAGREE 1.3 (FOREIGN POLICY)

Republican party has a much stronger stance against immigration.

·   A central focus on Trumps immigration policy was the promise to build a wall along the U.S Mexico border however congress refused to fully fund this preventing its completion.

DISAGREE 1.4 (FOREIGN POLICY)

Democrats less strong stance against immigarion.

·   Obama introduced Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) which allowed immigrants who came to the US as children to work and live in the US legally.

·   Biden reversed many of the polices implemented by Trump, including the construction of the border wall.

AGREE 2 (ECONOMIC POLICY AND GOVT INTERVENTION)

Both parties have supported government spending during economic crises.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus law in response to COVID 19 was passed under divided government in March 2020.

DISAGREE 2.1 (ECONOMIC POLICY AND GOVT INTERVENTION)

DEMs support a much greater support for government intervention.

Inflation Reduction Act 2022 allocated hundreds of billions of dollars towards renewable energy projects and tax incentives for clean energy which aimed to support the creation of green jobs.

DISAGREE 2.2 (ECONOMIC POLICY AND GOVT INTERVENTION)

REP less support for government intervention. Believe that minimal govt interference leads to economic growth.

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (2017) significantly lowered corporate and individual tax rates to stimulate economic activity.

DISAGREE 2.3 (ECONOMIC POLICY AND GOVT INTERVENTION)

Strong disagreement on the government provision of social welfare

Obama introduced the Affordable Care Act which extended health insurance coverage to millions of uninsured Americans.

The Republicans have made several attempts to repeal the ACA however they were unsuccessful.

AGREE 3 ( SOCIAL ATTITUDES AND DEMOCRACY)

Despite ideological differences, there is bipartisan support for some social policies in the US

·   The senate unanimously passed the Emmet Till Antilynching act, making lynching a federal hate crime

The Americans with Disabilities Act passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, protection people with disabilities from discrimination

DISAGREE 3.1

Republican party have very conservative perspectives on social and moral issues

Republicans were supportive of the overturning of roe v wade

 many REP states have severely restricted abortion with some having near total bans on abortions with limited exceptions

DISAGREE 3.2

Democratic party takes a progressive stance on social and moral issues

Democratic party advocates for women’s reproductive rights, this can be exemplified by the ACA which included provisions for contraceptive coverage and also Bidens strong criticism of the SC after the overturning of roe v wade.