Democrats and Republicans

[Coldicote]

It's not for the want of trying to understand, but what is the basic difference between the United States Democrats and Republicans? Both have long and complex histories one can read about, but I have found no simple answer to the question. Can someone explain please?

[dr b]

Think Dems = Labour, Republicans = Tories and you have most of the essential differences right there. Democrats tend to believe that more government (programs, taxes, etc.) is the solution; Republicans believe more government is the problem.

[Coldicote]

Thanks dr b - a simple answer. You've set me thinking if the same might be said of Labour and Tories in this country.

[scotman]

You could also say that Democrats and Republicans claim to want to get to the same place and that they only disagree about the method or route to use so there is not as much difference between them as with Lab & Con. Although with New Lab and the Cameron Cons the situation here is becoming similar to US.