Introduction
Many political ideologies exist in the U.S. ranging from far right-wing conservatism to far-leftist philosophy. However, only two major parties, Republican and Democratic, are available to represent this vast range of viewpoints. Ideologies are formed by a person’s innermost beliefs, cultivated by years of thought and shaped by life’s numerous experiences. An ideological debate causes a more emotive response in individuals than does any other.
The 9-11 attacks, abortion the war in Iraq, civil liberties, global warming, health care, gay marriage, stem cell research, and many other politically motivating subjects have ignited emotional ideological battles. Few times in American history has the political chasm been as wide. Seemingly, Democrats and Republicans can agree on nothing and this ideological difference is expanding.
The Great Divide
The tenets of Liberalism that define the Democratic Party proclaim a strong conviction in democracy and belief that the constitutional authority of the people will limit a powerful, expansive government. Liberal legislative leadership, partly through necessity, has instigated steady governmental growth well beyond where the architects of the constitution and most citizens would favor. The conservative ideology defines the Republican Party.
Conservatives are against the government regulating corporations but are very much for legislation that regulates the private conduct of individuals. Abortion, stem cells, teaching evolution, and gay marriage are preeminent examples of current ideological debates between Republicans and Democrats. (Dorf, 2003).
Abortion/Gay Marriage
Those of the Republican, conservative ideology are against legalizing abortion. They believe it to be murder and are crusading to save babies’ lives. However, conservatives are also against funding prenatal care programs and post-natal welfare-type programs designed to feed and clothe small children. Those of a Democrats ideology believe this logic to be contradictory (Lakoff, 2002). Liberals claim that gay marriage is a civil rights issue and whether or not they endorse this particular lifestyle will strongly act to defend the concept of gay marriage, or civil unions, based on this closely held ideology. Opponents of gay marriage claim that legalizing it will serve to endorse homosexuality, however; the number of gay people will hardly change in either direction simply because of legislation (Tucker, 2006).
Science/Religion
Creationism, creation science, and the intelligent design theory are similar terms that conservative, Republican religious factions have used to explain the origins of the universe which they want to be inserted into public education. (Jones, 2005). Attempts to establish religious beliefs into public school systems would certainly cause some teachers and students to be offended and, although Christianity is the predominant religion in the U.S., the Constitution serves to protect the minority. Democrats are quick to point out this fact. (Black, 1962).
Conclusion
Democrats and Republicans have taken sides on these most imperative of issues with both sides claiming ideological differences. Whether a person believes that the earth evolved by accident or was created in six days, which ideology thinks it right to destroy it? What ideology can explain invading and occupying a sovereign nation that did not attack first? Some issues go well beyond simple ideological leanings. If politics were debated and decided based on competing ideologies alone without other motivating factors such as greed, power, and domination becoming the deciding factor, Democrats and Republicans might work better together for the betterment of the country.
Works Cited
Black, Justice. “Engel et al v. Vitale et al.” This Nation.com. 370 U.S. 421 (1962). Web.
Dorf, Michael D. “Was Roe v. Wade Rightly Decided? Will it be Overruled?” CNN Law Center. (2003). Web.
Jones, Arthur. “Workshop: Myth and Fraud in Science Teaching from Copernicus to Darwin in the Textbooks and Popular Literature of Science.” (2005). Dordt College. Web.
Lakoff, George. Moral Politics: How Liberals and Conservatives Think. (2nd Ed.). University of Chicago Press, 2002.
Tucker, Brian. “Constitutional Amendments to Ban Gay Marriage.” Crain’s Cleveland Business. Vol. 27, I. 24, 2006.