Key beliefs of US political parties

Increased spending on social welfare programmes

A 'get tough' policy on crime

High levels of defence spending

Cut federal (national) taxes

They support traditional values and states' rights.

They are strong supporters of rights for minorities, women, and the LGBT community.

They oppose gun-control legislation.

They promote religious choice over other rights.

Tax cuts for the wealthy

Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)

Reduction in minimum wage

Privatization of healthcare

They are on the left of the political spectrum.

They are described as conservatives and are electorally successful in rural areas.

They support higher taxes for the wealthy.

They promote progressive social values.

Personal responsibility

Government intervention

Tax cuts

Personal freedom

Republicans support a larger role for government in welfare than Democrats because they value equality.

Republicans want a more limited role for welfare provision than Democrats, emphasizing personal responsibility and individual rights.

Democrats and Republicans have identical views on social welfare provision.

Republicans support national standards for welfare, while Democrats oppose them.