What does it mean to be a democrat or a republican?

I was a Republican, but , due to recent political events, changed my affliliation to Democrat. It was a short while after, when I was talking with my sister about what party she would join next year, that it occured to me that I had no idea what either...

party stands for.
I would like some insight to help me choose rather than just choosing because someone I like for president, or other political office, is of that party, or just to make my dad angry.

It depends on your personal thoughts. Take a look at these examples, and you decide which one you agree with more.

Abortion:
Democrats: It's the woman's right to choose and should therefore be legal
Republicans: It should not be legal and the government should restrict it as such.

Gun Control Laws:
Democrats: More gun control laws are needed to address a seemly growing problem with guns
Republicans: Oppose more gun control laws, citing that it's not what the Constitution calls for.

Discrimination:
Democrats: It's up to the government to step in and provide a “net” to victims of this practice
Republicans: Strong anti-discrimination laws are unnecessary. People have morals, as they say, and should be given the benefit of the doubt

Military:
Democrats: Prefers a decrease military spending. This party also likes to utilize NATO and the UN; never wanting to truly go in “alone” on world issues.
Republicans: They are known for increasing military spending. They also tend to want to stand alone when dealing with NATO and the United Nations.

Gay Rights:
Democrats: Usually for gays rights and believe it's apart of their civil rights to be with whom ever they choose.
Republicans: Tend to hold the view that marriage should be between people of the opposite sex, not the same.

Minimum Wage:
Democrats: Favor the workers and always seem to support minimum wage hikes.
Republicans: Don't normally favor minimum wage increases because they say is hurts businesses.

Death Penalty:
Democrats: Does not agree with taking someone's life as a means of discipline.
Republicans: The death penalty is necessary to curb violent crimes.

Prayer in schools:
Democrats: There should be a separation between church and state
Republicans: It's apart of our nation's culture to place prayer in school and keep it that way.

Flag Burning:
Democrats: Flag burning is acceptable because it falls under freedom of speech
Republicans: Flag burning is unacceptable and is not what the constitution intended.

Natural Environment:
Democrats: The environment need to be protect and it's the government's job to enforce laws against harming the environment
Republicans: Have some environment laws but don't make them too strong, could do more harm than good.

Taxes:
Democrats: The people with the most money should pay the most taxes, tax increases are mostly good.
Republicans: the entire economy can benefit if taxes remain relatively low, tax cuts are the way to go.

All information from: http://www.socyberty...

Wow what a great answer Stephie.

I was going to make a comment on how things used to be.. use to and still in some areas today. If your family was say...Republican you stayed a Republican. I was told when I was 9 years old by my Great-grandmother that she was a Republican and that would make me one. You were born into your party. I have stayed such all my life.

The above really makes since if you think about. If you are raised in a home that teaches certain values and thoughts, you will most likely grow up with those thoughts and values.

Thats bs magichalo1. I grew up in a home where my parents were extremely conservative. I am the complete opposite. I think it is the weak person that can't break the cycle of conservative thinking that their parents dictated to them.

The basic difference between the two is simple. In general Democrats are progressive thinkers, who are constantly looking for change in an ever changing world. Republicans are conservative thinkers, who constanly trying to "conserve' their backwards ideals in an ever changing world. Basically, Democrats look forward, and republicans look backward.

Wow. Amazing views.

I agree with Obama mainly, but to agree with McCain on some views. As I'm English you probably want to tell me to 'do one' but it really interests me. Which English politics don't, by the way!

I'm really hanging in for Obama, he seems to five a sh*t about America and not about what people want him to think, easy for me to day though when in not 'directly' involved.

Good luck America, I look forward to the results! x

ps sorry for the spelling mistakes, apple phone check isn't great!!

The simple answer to that question is
Democrat: Believe that the government is responsible.
Republican: Believe that the citizen is responsible.