do democrats + republicans have strongly conflicting values/policies

conflict

no conflict

signif conflict exists on: race, gender, transgender rights, illegal drugs, immigration and police power. Republicans emphasise authority, whereas Democrats emphasise rights of the individual. 

• The election of Mike Johnson as Republican House Speaker in 2023 suggests a move to the right by Republicans. Johnson has supported anti-abortion laws, restrictions on gay rights etc.

• Earlier in 2023, the Republican majority in HoR overturned the Pentagon policy of guaranteeing abortion access to armed forces members.

basic similarities. All support basic fundamental rights protections. This is true over things such as Civil Rights Act (1964). There are also areas where there is some overlap such as pro-choice Republicans and pro-life Democrats (though small in number).

• 2021, the Senate unanimously passed the Emmett Till Antilynching Act which made lynching a federal hate crime. This vote was largely symbolic promoting racial equality and passed with every member of Congress bar 3 House Republicans supporting it.

conflict

no conflict

Republicans want more restricted government and free market intervention. Democrats want more government intervention to overcome socio-economic inequality. Democrats also want to increase federal expenditure and taxes on wealthy people.

• Federal shutdowns of 2018 and 2013 where they refuse to agree the budget have been long at 35 and 16 days respectively. Before 1990 federal shutdowns never lasted longer than a day – now 6 shutdowns have lasted longer than 3 days. This shows the polarisation.

Despite apparent differences, Democrats are seen to promote capitalist and business interests. This is supported by the role of PACs and Super PACs.

• Dodd Franks Act, 2009 sought to regulate banking following global financial crisis. Critics argued the act didn’t give serious regulation and questioned whether the Democrats really wanted to regulate banking after all as their approach was similar to Republicans.

conflict

no conflict

Republicans emphasise self-reliance and individual liberty. Democrats argue the system gives many limited control and causes unfair levels of inequality.

• ongoing battle over Affordable Care Act since passed (2010)

• ongoing argument abt Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – issuing of food stamps to those in food poverty. Biden increased individual payments (made to 42m US citizens) – whilst in 2023 HoR forced Democrats into compromise on funding, now 18–55-year-olds must be in work to get SNAP (used to be 50).

Both parties respond to social emergencies w some level of federal provision ex COVID. Both favour social security spending for elderly on things like Medicare. Arguably, Democrats may be value based, whereas Republicans might be to protect voter base

• Moderate republicans ex Susan Collins refused to vote in favour of abolishing Affordable Care Act - shows some overlap

• Payments of $600 made to every adult to stimulate spending in economy during COVID