Democratic Party

The Democratic party was started in 1828 by Andrew

Jackson. The animal of their party is the donkey.
Democrats generally want to make changes to the
government. Democrats support raising taxes on the rich
to support services for the poor. The Democrats believe
the environment needs to be protected. They see
climate change as a serious issue that requires fast
action. Due to mass-shootings, Democrats support gun
control, which means regulating who can get a gun, and
what type of gun they can buy. Finally, Democrats believe
that women have the right to have an abortion.
Republican Party
The Republican party was started in 1854 by
Abraham Lincoln. The animal of their party is the
elephant. Republicans generally believe the government
should be small and not change much. Republicans want
to reduce taxes for everyone, and also reduce services
for the poor because they believe it makes them not want
to work. They do not think the environment needs to be
protected, and do not see climate change as a big issue.
The Republicans believe strongly in the 2nd Amendment
and do not support gun control. Finally, Republicans
generally believe once a woman is pregnant, the baby
has the right to be born and live, and therefore they do
not support abortion.
Vocab

climate change - change in weather patterns caused by

humans
abortion - purposeful ending of a pregnancy (the baby is
never born)
2nd Amendment - the right to own guns

Americas Two Main Parties

Name_______________
1) What is the purpose of political parties?
2) Using the information on the back of this sheet, compare and
contrast some of the beliefs of the Democratic and
Republican Parties.
Democratic Party
Republican Party
Taxes:

Environment:

Guns:

Abortion:

Taxes:

Environment:

Guns:

Abortion:

3) Draw the animal of each party and label it Democrat or

Republican.