Somebody explain all American political parties to me please

'Ello!

I have to complete pre-registration to vote for a history class, and people are telling me that you get the option to pick a party when you pre-register. Of course I understand Democrat and Republican, but what are American Independent, Peace and Freedom, Green, Libertarian, etc.?

Please explain ideals but also how those ideals are actually manifested in the candidates -- for example one could argue that the Republican party used to be center right, but recent years would show that is not remotely the case.

Thanks :)

'Ello! I have to complete pre-registration to vote for a history class, and people are telling me that you get the option to pick a party when you pre-register. Of course I understand Democrat and Republican, but what are American Independent, Peace and Freedom, Green, Libertarian, etc.? Please explain ideals but *also* how those ideals are actually manifested in the candidates -- for example one could argue that the Republican party used to be center right, but recent years would show that is not remotely the case. Thanks :)

m011235

I'd say, in very, very general terms: the Left is about collaboration, the Right is about competition. A society needs both, so democracy is the best available framework to manage diverging interests. Though vulnerable to corruption and manipulation. Not exactly the detailed and per party description called for, but I thought a quick mention of proposed first principles might help.

ed01106

Libertarians - Small government. Legalize abortion, legalized drugs, absolutely no gun control, isolationist, low taxes, very limited public services, Darwinian capitalism with no guardrails. (Many libertarians vote with the Republican party even though they share many social views with the democrats.

Not familiar with either American Independent or Peace and Freedom.

The green party is left of the Democratic party. Democratic Socialist or Socialist (not communist). Left of center on the international scale. Many people who align with the green party vote for the democrats because of the nature of the two party system. Libertarians - Small government. Legalize abortion, legalized drugs, absolutely no gun control, isolationist, low taxes, very limited public services, Darwinian capitalism with no guardrails. (Many libertarians vote with the Republican party even though they share many social views with the democrats. Not familiar with either American Independent or Peace and Freedom.

greenteakitten

edited

I guess it would help if I gave my political ideals first (you know who you are, please do not argue with me on stuff unless you want to expound on it, I'm not looking for a debate):

Overall: Center Right, I feel like I lean more conservative in terms of social issues and more progressive in terms of economics but I'm not entirely sure

Economy: a bit of a contradiction I know but lower taxes + progressive income-based taxation, less taxes on unnecessary things like "replace the trash bins" and more spent on healthcare, education etc.
Government: Big government on economic issues, small government on social issues if that makes any sense? Cut salaries for politicians in half; nobody needs $250k+ managing a county's water, use the money to spend on better social programs like helping cut down on homelessness, less red tape in general
Social issues (obviously some of these aren't issues that are absolute priorities for any party):
-- Abortion: pro-life, except to save the life of the mother and/or rape, more promotion of care for babies after they are born, more support of foster care/adoption programs, and therapy for mothers in difficult situations
-- Guns: tighter restrictions on guns, but I don't support a complete ban either
-- Education: less over-reliance on AI to do things like monitoring school laptops, more spent on this sector in general especially to pay teachers more, implementation of classes on life skills (ex: how to do taxes, how to load a dishwasher, etc.)
-- AI: less data centers, period
-- Money system: capitalism, but regulated
-- Environment: nuclear energy would be ideal, I support environmental policies in ideals but feel like most in practice are done (at least in my city) as a distraction from funds mysteriously disappearing elsewhere
-- Immigration: I want Obama's ICE, not Trump's; illegal immigration is still illegal and countries have borders, but those borders aren't enforced through illegal means and absolute cruelty/quotas/blatant racism, etc.
-- Foreign influence: No needless wars, I support Israel's right to exist but I don't entirely agree with the way they are doing it either
-- Religion: Separation of church and state, but churches shouldn't be taxed either and religious freedom should be promoted (although I doubt any party argues against that tbh)
-- (there's probably a lot more than this but this is all I can think about off the top of my head)

I guess it would help if I gave my political ideals first (you know who you are, please do not argue with me on stuff unless you want to expound on it, I'm not looking for a debate): *Overall:* Center Right, I feel like I lean more conservative in terms of social issues and more progressive in terms of economics but I'm not entirely sure * Economy: a bit of a contradiction I know but lower taxes + progressive income-based taxation, less taxes on unnecessary things like "replace the trash bins" and more spent on healthcare, education etc. * Government: Big government on economic issues, small government on social issues if that makes any sense? Cut salaries for politicians in half; nobody needs $250k+ managing a county's water, use the money to spend on better social programs like helping cut down on homelessness, less red tape in general * Social issues (obviously some of these aren't issues that are absolute priorities for any party): -- Abortion: pro-life, except to save the life of the mother and/or rape, more promotion of care for babies after they are born, more support of foster care/adoption programs, and therapy for mothers in difficult situations -- Guns: tighter restrictions on guns, but I don't support a complete ban either -- Education: less over-reliance on AI to do things like monitoring school laptops, more spent on this sector in general especially to pay teachers more, implementation of classes on life skills (ex: how to do taxes, how to load a dishwasher, etc.) -- AI: less data centers, period -- Money system: capitalism, but regulated -- Environment: nuclear energy would be ideal, I support environmental policies in ideals but feel like most in practice are done (at least in my city) as a distraction from funds mysteriously disappearing elsewhere -- Immigration: I want Obama's ICE, not Trump's; illegal immigration is still illegal and countries have borders, but those borders aren't enforced through illegal means and absolute cruelty/quotas/blatant racism, etc. -- Foreign influence: No needless wars, I support Israel's right to exist but I don't entirely agree with the way they are doing it either -- Religion: Separation of church and state, but churches shouldn't be taxed either and religious freedom should be promoted (although I doubt any party argues against that tbh) -- (there's probably a lot more than this but this is all I can think about off the top of my head)

clousems

Outside of your abortion stance, which is more Republican, that looks like textbook Democrat to me.

It's important to realize that, despite the influence of MAGA on the right and progressives on the left, they are not indicative of "textbook" Republican or "textbook" Democrat. Republicans tend to be more about lower taxes, free trade, etc. (but unlike libertarians, support stronger, more restrictive laws-- hence the "conservative" moniker, even though the economic policies are liberal). Democrats... well, as I said, they traditionally identify with most of the values you mentioned.

Libertarians strongly support economic liberalism, but they want as little government involvement as possible. As mentioned by someone else, they tend to side with the Republicans a lot of times (on account of the economic aspects), and many "Republicans" are actually libertarians (Kentucky seems to be the HQ of these guys, as both Thomas Massie and Rand Paul are notoriously libertarian. Rand Paul's father ran for president as a libertarian, unless I'm mistaken).

I believe the Green party has some aspects of the democrats, mixed with further left parties, but emphasizing the environmental concerns (hence the name).

Interestingly, I think that the MAGA conservatives, while aligning and registering as Republican, are more in line with the Constitution party.

Outside of your abortion stance, which is more Republican, that looks like textbook Democrat to me. It's important to realize that, despite the influence of MAGA on the right and progressives on the left, they are not indicative of "textbook" Republican or "textbook" Democrat. Republicans tend to be more about lower taxes, free trade, etc. (but unlike libertarians, support stronger, more restrictive laws-- hence the "conservative" moniker, even though the economic policies are liberal). Democrats... well, as I said, they traditionally identify with most of the values you mentioned. Libertarians strongly support economic liberalism, but they want as little government involvement as possible. As mentioned by someone else, they tend to side with the Republicans a lot of times (on account of the economic aspects), and many "Republicans" are actually libertarians (Kentucky seems to be the HQ of these guys, as both Thomas Massie and Rand Paul are notoriously libertarian. Rand Paul's father ran for president as a libertarian, unless I'm mistaken). I believe the Green party has some aspects of the democrats, mixed with further left parties, but emphasizing the environmental concerns (hence the name). Interestingly, I think that the MAGA conservatives, while aligning and registering as Republican, are more in line with the Constitution party.

End_Game_Flame

@clousems said ^

Outside of your abortion stance, which is more Republican, that looks like textbook Democrat to me.

Lol, "tighter restrictions on guns," "Separation of church and state," definitely Dem views.

@clousems said [^](/forum/redirect/post/8ntTamPP) > Outside of your abortion stance, which is more Republican, that looks like textbook Democrat to me. Lol, "tighter restrictions on guns," "Separation of church and state," definitely Dem views.

kipel73 edited

independents don’t vote within party lines as do democrat and republican.. this means republicans will vote only for republicans and democrats will vote only for democrats. independents agree with some issues from each side, and, therefore, they make up their mind on who to vote for after listening to the candidates’ positions and doing research.

ed01106

@clousems said ^

Outside of your abortion stance, which is more Republican, that looks like textbook Democrat to me.

And even the abortion position is not aligned with the Republican party.

"-- Abortion: pro-life, except to save the life of the mother and/or rape, more promotion of care for babies after they are born, more support of foster care/adoption programs, and therapy for mothers in difficult situations"

The Republican position use to include life of mother and rape exception. That no longer exists now the republican party pushes for a complete ban on abortion even if going full term will kill the mother and the baby is non-viable. And as for the second half of the sentence. More support for babies and mother post-birth is the in complete alignment with the democratic party and complete opposition with the republican.

@clousems said [^](/forum/redirect/post/8ntTamPP) > Outside of your abortion stance, which is more Republican, that looks like textbook Democrat to me. > And even the abortion position is not aligned with the Republican party. "-- Abortion: pro-life, except to save the life of the mother and/or rape, more promotion of care for babies after they are born, more support of foster care/adoption programs, and therapy for mothers in difficult situations" The Republican position use to include life of mother and rape exception. That no longer exists now the republican party pushes for a complete ban on abortion even if going full term will kill the mother and the baby is non-viable. And as for the second half of the sentence. More support for babies and mother post-birth is the in complete alignment with the democratic party and complete opposition with the republican.

Decaffeinated

@greenteakitten said ^

'Ello!

I have to complete pre-registration to vote for a history class, and people are telling me that you get the option to pick a party when you pre-register. Of course I understand Democrat and Republican, but what are American Independent, Peace and Freedom, Green, Libertarian, etc.?

Please explain ideals but also how those ideals are actually manifested in the candidates -- for example ...

The best way to conceptualize this is that the two parties are actually coalitions.

Republican = broad right wing coalition

Democrats = broad left wing coalition.

The Republicans have included people who are explicitly libertarians, like Thomas Massie. They sign on to the name brand because it is ultimately the engine that has the funding and power and there is very little asked of it.

The Democrats are the same. You have very moderate figures, and you also have more radical ones, like Rashia Tlaib who would be at home in many far left movements. This is also by design - the Democrats benefit by having some amount of say over Tliab, and Tlaib gets a loose alliance with a very broad network.

Now, THIRD PARTIES basically exist to exert pressure on the coalitions. Ralph Nader and the Greens are sometimes credited with bringing the Democrats further to the left on key issues. The same can be said about Libertarians and the right being brought into more 'folk libertarian' positions.

There are also more SERIOUS third parties who want to see things like seats in municipal government and state assemblies. I think the Constitution Party at one point wanted really to try to replace the GOP - this is, of course, highly unrealistic, but you could imagine a scenario where they could outplace the GOP in, say, Iowa or South Dakota and cause a big hubbub that would have them radically change the Republicans and be absorbed or potentially destabilize the GOP and replace them in some famous national fallout over then ineptitude of the GOP, which is arguably what MAGA has been doing but without any kind of official side party.

...

The TL;DR of it is simply that both major parties are actually just coalitions.

The nature of the US Electoral College and Republic make this the best design for the US political system.

@greenteakitten said [^](/forum/redirect/post/TkMRdOCr) > 'Ello! > > I have to complete pre-registration to vote for a history class, and people are telling me that you get the option to pick a party when you pre-register. Of course I understand Democrat and Republican, but what are American Independent, Peace and Freedom, Green, Libertarian, etc.? > > Please explain ideals but *also* how those ideals are actually manifested in the candidates -- for example ... The best way to conceptualize this is that the two parties are actually coalitions. Republican = broad right wing coalition Democrats = broad left wing coalition. The Republicans have included people who are explicitly libertarians, like Thomas Massie. They sign on to the name brand because it is ultimately the engine that has the funding and power and there is very little asked of it. The Democrats are the same. You have very moderate figures, and you also have more radical ones, like Rashia Tlaib who would be at home in many far left movements. This is also by design - the Democrats benefit by having some amount of say over Tliab, and Tlaib gets a loose alliance with a very broad network. Now, THIRD PARTIES basically exist to exert pressure on the coalitions. Ralph Nader and the Greens are sometimes credited with bringing the Democrats further to the left on key issues. The same can be said about Libertarians and the right being brought into more 'folk libertarian' positions. There are also more SERIOUS third parties who want to see things like seats in municipal government and state assemblies. I think the Constitution Party at one point wanted really to try to replace the GOP - this is, of course, highly unrealistic, but you could imagine a scenario where they could outplace the GOP in, say, Iowa or South Dakota and cause a big hubbub that would have them radically change the Republicans and be absorbed or potentially destabilize the GOP and replace them in some famous national fallout over then ineptitude of the GOP, which is arguably what MAGA has been doing but without any kind of official side party. ... The TL;DR of it is simply that both major parties are *actually just coalitions.* The nature of the US Electoral College and Republic make this the best design for the US political system.

greenteakitten

@clousems

Outside of your abortion stance, which is more Republican, that looks like textbook Democrat to me.

The reason I put myself as center right is because my views on LGBTQ+, crime, criminalization of recreational drugs, etc. (as well as personal views on other social issues) are very close to the far right, minus the whole hatred/discrimination part, which kinda skews it a bit [I know quite a few people who find me to be far right already despite my more left-leaning views in other places], but besides the whole wanting tougher standards for crime part none of these are particularly campaign worthy, so yeah. (I mean, "vote for me because I'm gay" vs "vote for me because I hate gay people" would both be really stupid campaign lines, with the second one a lot more concerning as to how many people would be scapegoated and targeted) I don't know; I just wouldn't be able to have a conversation with someone on the left or right before they decided I'm an extremist/brainwashed, so I kind of accepted I must be somewhere in-between the two.

It's important to realize that, despite the influence of MAGA on the right and progressives on the left, they are not indicative of "textbook" Republican or "textbook" Democrat.

I get that, but I'm also looking at what the political landscape would be around 2028, not necessarily the founding principles of a party that they may have strayed from now -- and besides just the two parties, is it even worth it to join a smaller third party in the first place since wouldn't one have like, even less choice since they'd be forced to vote between a Democrat and Republican eventually?

@clousems >Outside of your abortion stance, which is more Republican, that looks like textbook Democrat to me. The reason I put myself as center right is because my views on LGBTQ+, crime, criminalization of recreational drugs, etc. (as well as personal views on other social issues) are very close to the far right, minus the whole hatred/discrimination part, which kinda skews it a bit [I know quite a few people who find me to be far right already despite my more left-leaning views in other places], but besides the whole wanting tougher standards for crime part none of these are particularly campaign worthy, so yeah. (I mean, "vote for me because I'm gay" vs "vote for me because I hate gay people" would both be really stupid campaign lines, with the second one a lot more concerning as to how many people would be scapegoated and targeted) I don't know; I just wouldn't be able to have a conversation with someone on the left or right before they decided I'm an extremist/brainwashed, so I kind of accepted I must be somewhere in-between the two. >It's important to realize that, despite the influence of MAGA on the right and progressives on the left, they are not indicative of "textbook" Republican or "textbook" Democrat. I get that, but I'm also looking at what the political landscape would be around 2028, not necessarily the founding principles of a party that they may have strayed from now -- and besides just the two parties, is it even worth it to join a smaller third party in the first place since wouldn't one have like, even less choice since they'd be forced to vote between a Democrat and Republican eventually?