The Democratic National Party vs. the Republican National Party

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Since the beginning of American politics, we have lived in a two party political system. These two parties play a very important role in our government, they are a source of ideas for public policy, and they legally oppose each other (class citation), forcing compromises of ideas which are beneficial to the people of the United States of America. Though these two parties generally always oppose each other on the issues, some people believe that there are not significant differences between the Democratic National Party and the Republican National Party. Despite similarities in views on foreign policy, the Democratic National Party and the Republican National Party are different based on their stands on domestic economic issues in the 1992 and 1996 presidential elections.

On the issue of tax relief, the Republicans called for more tax breaks than did the Democratic party. The Democrats called for “a research and development tax credit; a low income housing tax credit; [and] a long term capital gains proposal for new businesses and business expansions”(“First Presidential Debate, 1992”). The Republican party went much further. In the first presidential debate on October 11, 1992, Bush called for a capital gains cut, and investment allowance, and a tax break for first-time home buyers. Additionally, in the 1992 Republican national platform, the Republicans called for a removal of the marriage penalty in the current tax code, and $500 increase in the personal income tax exemption. The Republican platform also called for families to be allowed to use their IRA's for first time home purchases, medical emergencies, and paying for a college education. (“Party Stresses Family Values, Decentralized Authority” 2564).

Education was ye...

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“Party Platforms: How They Compare.” The New York Times. 27 Aug. 1996: 11.

“Party Stresses Family Values, Decentralized Authority (1992 Republican National Platform).” Congressional Quarterly Weekly Report. 22 Aug. 1992: 2560-2581.

“Prosperity, Self-Government, and `Moral Clarity' (1996 Republican National Platform).” Congressional Quarterly Weekly Report. 17 Aug. 1996: 2317-2336.

“Second 1996 Presidential Debate.” Commission on Presidential Debates. Commission on Presidential Debates. 1996. 5 Oct. 1999 <http://www.debates.org/sdiego.htm>.

“Second Presidential Debate, 1992.” Commission on Presidential Debates. Commission on Presidential Debates. 1996. 5 Oct. 1999 <http://www.debates.org/Debates/92-2a.htm>.

“Transcript of the First Presidential Debate.” The Washington Post. 7 Oct. 1996: A08.

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