Symbols/General BeliefsDemocrats(Blue states, left-leaning): Liberal:

Avoid having extremely rich and extremely poor.

Republicans(Red states, right-leaning): Conservative: Free market, let wealth distribute naturally.

Typical Election

Economic PolicyDemocrats: Tax the rich more so and tax the

middle and lower class less.Republicans: Tax everyone as little as

possible. Flat tax rate for all.

Death PenaltyDemocrats: Only use Death penalty when

100% necessaryRepublicans: Believe the death penalty

lessens crime rates

Gun ControlRepublicans: oppose all gun control or anti-

hunting provisionsDemocrats: In the past, supported gun

control. Now, share the same beliefs as Republicans.

Famous MembersDemocrats: Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR),

John F. Kennedy (JFK)Republicans: Ronald Reagan, George Bush

( W and HW)

Key Members TodayDemocrats: President Barack Obama, Vice

President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton

Republicans: Mitt Romney, Speaker of the House John Boehner, Senior Senator John McCain.

Formative AssessmentWhich Party does Michigan usually vote for? True or False: Republicans are for taxing

the rich more than the poor?Which Party is president Obama a member

of?Which Party are the “Red” states?Mitt Romney is a member of which party?

Formative AssessmentJohn F. Kennedy and Franklin D. Roosevelt

were both?Which party wants to take all of America’s

guns away?