The document compares the major modern US political parties, the Democrats and Republicans, to the political parties of the early US period, the Democratic-Republicans and Federalists. The Democratic-Republicans supported weak federal government and agriculture while the Federalists backed strong federal government, manufacturing, and New England interests. Today, Republicans generally support increased military spending, the death penalty, conservative values, and neutral economic policies, while Democrats favor decreased military spending, oppose the death penalty, hold liberal philosophies, and prioritize policies helping the poor. Both parties still debate similar national issues around money, crime, and politics.

1. Unit 6 :Compare and contrast the major political parties in the United States today and the major political parties of this period. Sammy Walters Cori Chestney J.T. Farmer

2. Today’s Democratic and Republican Yesteryear Democratic-Republican and Federalist Same Federalist -manufacturing, industry, and trade -mainly from New England -loose construction -strong federal government Democratic- Republican -agriculture -farmers and lived on western frontier -strict construction -weak federal government Republican Stand on Military issues: Increased spending Stand on Death penalty: Support Philosophy: Conservative Economic Ideas: Neutral, believe taxes shouldn’t be increased for anyone and wages should continue at the level they are. Social and human ideas: Individual rights and justice based Democratic Stand on Military issues: Decreased spending Stand on Death penalty: Oppose Philosophy: Liberal Economic Ideas: Pro poor, minimum wages and increase taxes on wealthy Social and human ideas: Community and social responsibility based They still have the same issues with the nation, and with money, crime, and politics