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👩🏾‍⚖️AP US Government

👩🏾‍⚖️ap us government review

4.7 Ideologies of Political Parties

Verified for the 2025 AP US Government exam5 min readLast Updated on March 3, 2025

Political parties seek governmental power, and a two-party system in the U.S. contributes to the Democratic and Republican parties to remain the most important of these organizations today. The Ideology spectrum provides a large range of ideological beliefs, and most parties align with a different "part" of this spectrum: 

Democratic Party

It aligns with liberalism (the "left-wing") as it emphasizes the need for social equality and justice. Some of the key priorities and policies in the Democratic Party platform include:

1. Access to affordable health care: Democrats believe that access to quality, affordable health care is a fundamental right. They support expanding access to health care through programs such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and ands well as implementing additional reforms to make health care more accessible and affordable for all Americans. This includes increasing financial assistance for those who purchase insurance on the individual market, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, and investing in research to find new treatments and cures.

2. Economic fairness: Democrats believe in creating an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few. They support policies such as increasing the minimum wage, strengthening labor protections and addressing income inequality. This includes implementing measures to reduce poverty, increase access to affordable housing, and provide support for working families, such as paid family leave and affordable child care. Democrats also believe in creating a tax system that is fair and equitable, with higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations to support investments in education, health care, avitalother key priorities.

3. Climate actions: Democrats believe that addressing climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the country and the world. They support policies such as transitioning to clean energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and protecting public lands and waters. This includes investments in renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar power, as well as measures to reduce energy consumption, such as energy efficiency programs. Democrats also support measures to prepare communities for the impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise and extreme weather events, and to protect wildlife and habitats.

4. Criminal justice reform: Democrats support criminal justice reforms to reduce mass incarceration and address racial disparities in the justice system. This reduces sentences for non-violent offenses, mandatory minimums, and improved access to rehabilitation and reentry programs. Democrats also support reforms to address racial profiling, excessive use of force by law enforcement, and the justice system's disproportionate impact on communities of color.

5. Education: Democrats believe in providing all Americans with access to quality education, from early childhood education through college and beyond. They support policies such as expanding early childhood education, making college more affordable and reducing student debt. This includes measures to increase funding for public schools, reduce class sizes, and improve teacher training and support. Democrats also support policies to increase access to technical and vocational education, to help prepare workers for the jobs of the future.

6. Civil rights and equality: Democrats believe in protecting the rights of all Americans, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion. They support policies such as expanding voting rights, protecting women's reproductive rights and promoting LGBTQ+ rights. This includes measures to combat discrimination, promote equality under the law, and protect the rights of marginalized communities. Democrats also support measures to address systemic racism and promote diversity and inclusion in all areas of society.

Republican Party

It aligns with conservatism (the "right-wing") as it often focuses on preserving order and advocates for less government interference in the citizens' lives. Some of the key priorities and policies in the Republican Party platform include:

1. Fiscal limited government: Republicans believe in limited government and a strong commitment to individual freedom and liberty. They support policies that reduce the size and scope of government and measures that increase personal responsibility and accountability. This includes cutting government spending, reducing regulations, and promoting economic growth and job creation. Republicans also support measures to protect the rights of individuals and limit government interference in private life.

2. Free markets and economic growth: Republicans support policies that promote free markets and economic growth, such as reducing taxes, reducing government spending, and creating a favorable business climate. They believe in reducing government interference in the economy and support measures that reduce barriers to trade and investment, such as free trade agreements and lower tariffs.

3. National security and defense: Republicans prioritize strong national security and defense, and believe in maintaining a strong military and investing in advanced technologies to keep the country safe. They support policies that increase funding for the military and intelligence agencies and measures that increase cooperation and coordination with allies and partners.

4. Law and order: Republicans support measures that increase funding for law enforcement and policies that enhance penalties for crime and increase the use of technology and data to improve public safety.

5. Pro-life: Republicans support a pro-life stance, and believe in protecting the right to life of the unborn. They support policies that restrict access to abortion, limit funding for abortion services, and promote alternatives to abortion, such as adoption.

6. Second Amendment rights: Republicans support the Second Amendment and the right of individuals to keep and bear arms. They support policies that protect the right to own firearms and measures that increase the availability and accessibility of firearms. Republicans also support measures that increase training and education for gun owners and increase penalties for crimes committed with firearms.

Other Parties

Even though the Republicans and Democrats have preserved their power and influence over the elections for several years, there are other emerging parties that continue on the fight to gain power, such as: 

  • Libertarian Party  - As the third largest party in the U.S., the libertarians' platform is based on the principles of individual liberty and limited government principles. They believe in a free market economy and support the legalization of drugs and same-sex marriage. They advocate for non-interventional foreign policy, gun rights, and privacy. They also support eliminating government-run social welfare programs and believe that education and healthcare should be left to the private sector. The party's overall goal is to minimize government interference in people's lives and maximize individual freedom.
  • Green Party - Minor party that highly focuses on environmentalist issues. They support a transition to a green economy that prioritizes renewable energy, conservation, and environmentally-friendly practices. The party also advocates for single-payer healthcare, affordable housing, and a living wage for all. They support demilitarization and a non-interventional foreign policy. The Green Party aims to create a more equitable and sustainable society through systemic change, including political and economic reform.

Watch AP Gov teacher Nicole Johnston review this key topic here.

Key Terms to Review (16)

Affordable Care Act (ACA): The Affordable Care Act (ACA), enacted in 2010, is a comprehensive healthcare reform law aimed at increasing health insurance coverage, lowering healthcare costs, and improving the quality of care. It introduced key provisions such as the individual mandate, expanded Medicaid eligibility, and the establishment of health insurance exchanges. The ACA significantly changed the role of the federal government in healthcare, which affects how the bureaucracy operates and is held accountable for its policies, while also reflecting differing ideologies among political parties regarding healthcare access and government involvement.
Civil Rights and Equality: Civil rights and equality refer to the fundamental rights that guarantee individuals equal protection under the law, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or other characteristics. These rights are essential for ensuring that all citizens can participate fully in society, and they serve as a foundation for democratic principles. The struggle for civil rights has shaped the political landscape, influencing party ideologies and policies aimed at promoting equality and justice for marginalized groups.
Climate Actions: Climate actions refer to the efforts and strategies implemented to combat climate change and mitigate its impacts on the environment. These actions encompass a wide range of initiatives, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable practices within communities and economies. The ideologies of political parties play a crucial role in shaping the discourse around climate actions, influencing how policies are formulated and prioritized at local, national, and global levels.
Criminal Justice Reform: Criminal Justice Reform refers to a range of efforts aimed at improving the fairness, effectiveness, and efficiency of the criminal justice system. This includes initiatives to address issues such as mass incarceration, racial disparities, and the treatment of individuals within the system. These reform movements are often driven by various political ideologies that shape views on crime, punishment, and public safety.
Democratic Party: The Democratic Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States, founded in the early 19th century, with a strong commitment to social equality, environmental protection, and government intervention in the economy. The party has evolved over time, reflecting changes in political ideologies and responding to various social movements, which influences its stance on issues like healthcare, education, and civil rights.
Economic Fairness: Economic fairness refers to the principle that all individuals should have equitable access to resources, opportunities, and economic benefits, promoting a just and balanced economic system. This concept is often tied to debates about wealth distribution, social justice, and government policies aimed at reducing inequality. It is a fundamental tenet in various political ideologies that seek to address disparities in wealth and ensure that everyone has a fair chance at prosperity.
Fiscal Limited Government: Fiscal Limited Government refers to a political ideology that advocates for a restricted role of government in economic affairs, emphasizing minimal government spending, low taxes, and reduced public debt. This ideology aligns with beliefs in individual responsibility and free-market principles, suggesting that less government intervention leads to more efficient economic outcomes and greater personal freedom.
Free Markets: Free markets are economic systems where prices for goods and services are determined by open competition between businesses, with minimal government intervention. In a free market, supply and demand drive the economy, encouraging innovation, efficiency, and consumer choice, while allowing individuals to engage in voluntary transactions. This concept is often linked to the ideologies of political parties that prioritize economic freedom and individual entrepreneurship.
Green Party: The Green Party is a political organization that emphasizes environmental issues, social justice, grassroots democracy, and non-violence. Founded in the United States in 2001, it seeks to address the ecological crisis, promote sustainability, and challenge corporate influence in politics, making it distinct from traditional political parties that often prioritize economic growth over environmental concerns.
Ideology Spectrum: The ideology spectrum is a visual representation that categorizes political beliefs and values along a continuum from left to right. This spectrum helps illustrate the diverse range of ideologies within political parties, showing how they relate to issues like economic policy, social equality, and government intervention.
Libertarian Party: The Libertarian Party is a political organization in the United States that advocates for civil liberties, free-market economics, and minimal government intervention in both personal and economic matters. Founded in 1971, the party promotes the idea that individuals should have the freedom to make their own choices without government interference, aligning itself with the principles of classical liberalism. This party is a significant player in American politics, representing a distinct ideological perspective compared to the two major parties.
Liberalism: Liberalism is a political ideology that emphasizes individual freedoms, equality, and democratic governance. It advocates for the protection of civil rights and liberties, the promotion of social justice, and the belief in a government that is accountable to its citizens. This ideology significantly influences the platforms of political parties and shapes changes in public policy and governance over time.
National Security and Defense: National security and defense refer to the measures taken by a government to protect its citizens, territory, and interests from external threats, including military aggression, terrorism, and espionage. This concept is integral to the ideologies of political parties, as different parties prioritize security policies based on their beliefs about the role of government, individual liberties, and international relations.
Pro-Life: Pro-Life refers to a political and ethical stance that opposes abortion and supports the belief that human life begins at conception. This ideology is primarily associated with certain conservative factions and influences the policies and platforms of various political parties, particularly those advocating for the protection of unborn children and promoting alternatives to abortion, such as adoption.
Republican Party: The Republican Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States, founded in 1854, primarily to oppose the expansion of slavery into the territories. It has evolved over time, representing a wide range of ideologies and policy positions, often emphasizing limited government, free markets, individual liberties, and a strong national defense. This party's development and ideological shifts connect to significant historical events, influence third-party dynamics, and play a role in how various groups attempt to sway policy outcomes.
Second Amendment Rights: Second Amendment Rights refer to the rights granted by the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution, which protects the individual’s right to keep and bear arms. This amendment is often at the center of debates regarding gun control, individual liberties, and public safety, making it a significant aspect of American political culture and ideologies.
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