The key difference between Republican and Democrat is that a Republican is someone who favors or supports the principles of the republic while a Democrat is someone who believes in the principles of democracy or the power of the majority.
Democrat also believes in equality. Hence, there is a marked difference between a Republican and a Democrat. First let us define the terms. Through this article let us examine the differences between a republican and a democrat in their ideas and opinions.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. Who is a Republican
3. Who is a Democrat
4. Side by Side Comparison – Republican vs Democrat in Tabular Form
5. Summary
Who is a Republican?
A Republican is someone who favors or supports the principles of the republic. A Republican is conservative in his ideas. A Republican does not accept the concept of a larger federal government. The Republican believes more in economic equity than any other factor.
A Republican firmly believes that all solutions to problems lay with the people themselves rather than with the government. According to Republican, the government is not supposed to interfere much with the affairs of people, but should do well to improve the property rights of the people rather than the welfare rights.

Figure 01: The Great Republican Reform Party
A Republican does not support government-sponsored programs. In fact, a Republican wants lesser government involvement and supports the idea that decisions be made at the state level primarily by the involvement of people. Also, a Republican firmly believes that the military budget should be considerably increased. Finally, a Republican is pro-life in approach hence he supports social policies at the state level.
Who is a Democrat?
A Democrat is someone who believes in the principles of a republic, thus, in the power of the majority. Unlike a Republican, who is conservative in his ideas, a Democrat is liberal in his ideas. A Democrat accepts the concept of a larger federal government People of all classes should be benefited by the various schemes of the government according to a Democrat. They should not be concerned more about individual interests. This means that a Democrat looks upon all classes of people as equal.
In short it can be said that a Republican believes that the people are adept at looking after themselves. A Democrat on the contrary firmly believes that the federal government alone is capable of bringing about equality.

Figure 02: Andrew Jackson, the First Democratic President of the United States
Furthermore, a Democrat supports government-sponsored programs. A Democrat is pro-choice in approach, As a result, a Democrat supports social policies at federal government level It is interesting to note that unlike the Republicans, Democrats support the view that the military budget should be decreased. These are the main differences between a Republican and a Democrat. Now let us summarize the difference as follows.
What is the Difference Between Republican and Democrat?
Republican vs Democrat |
|
A Republican is someone who favors or supports the principles of the republic. | A Democrat is someone who favors the principles of the democracy, thus believes in the power of the majority. |
Ideas | |
A Republican has conservative ideas. | A Democrat has liberal ideas. |
Equity | |
A Republican believes in economic equity. | A Democrat believes in class equity. |
Bias | |
A Republican believes the solution lies with people – less interference in people’s affairs. | A Democrat believes the government will solve people’s problem. |
Support | |
A Republican supports social policies at state level – involving people | A Democrat supports social policies at the federal level. |
Rights | |
A Republican Improve property rights of people. | A Democrat improve welfare rights of people – more government sponsored programs. |
Approach | |
A Republican has a pro-life approach. | A Democrat has a pro-choice approach. |
Summary – Republican vs Democrat
Republic and Democracy are two major concepts in world politics. Both these concepts share vast differences. The difference between Republican and Democrat is that Republican is someone who favors or supports the principles of the republic while a Democrat is someone who believes in the principles of democracy or the power of the majority. Hence, the difference between these two parties lie in their principles.
Image Courtesy:
1. “1856-Republican-party-Fremont-isms-caricature” (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “43rd Legislative District Democratic Caucus 1” by Cumulus Clouds – Own work. (GFDL) via Commons Wikimedia
In terms of their actions there is very little difference between these two bankrolled entities.
What is more important is the consequences of each. Leftism typically leads to death and destruction. Candy from the government spoils the population just how spoiling children results in disaster.
This article has nothing to do with leftism.
I do agree with Terri. The article solely compares the Republican and the Democratic beliefs. It does have nothing to do with Leftism. I do agree with Frank, though. The Democratic run governments (especially in 2021) do care more about power, and what gets a political party power? The ignorant voter who doesn’t see the full picture. He just hears kindness and doesn’t think it through and weigh cons of electing a far leftist Congressman, Senator or President to poorly run the country by crippling the next four generations with a tremendous debt and letting illegal immigrants come into the country, bringing illnesses with them and getting tax payer money to stay and then steal a true American’s job (I am not, to clarify this, an anti-immigration person nor racist). I am just anti-illegal immigration and a common sense conservative. I don’t always agree with Trump, whom I wanted to win and glad won 2016, but do believe lost 2020 (but did win Pennsylvania and Georgia). I disagree with him about plugging his ears sometimes, being on social media, transgenderism and not accepting defeat. I do not also agree with the Democrats about transgenderism. I believe if your born with a penis or a vagina, or have one of those, your a guy or a girl. No matter what you say. Unless you get the surgery, your still you gender. Sorry about going on a big rant. I hope I have some people agree with me about this though.
While this chart shows the differences between the two party’s, reality is much different.
I don’t know of anyone who believes in only one system. Most people believe in a combination of the party’s. For instance, I do not believe in lowering the military budget at all. What I do believe in is that we give the military what the heads of the military decide is needed – not Congress. I believe in SSA. It has worked well for over 80 years. I believe that the EPA is needed, because the private sector was poisoning our air, ground and water. I believe in both economic equity and class equity. Both party’s believe in owning private property and businesses.
I agree with Terri…..
I’ve taken several Political aptitude test…… While I am a registered Republican, I find that I score Slightly left of center on these test because of “combination Beliefs” as described here by Terri…
I’m sure I’m not the only one….
What ever happened to comprimising? I believe that’s where us Americans screw things up. I believe if Republicans and Democrts could learn to CHOOSE how to compromise with one another i believe our American Country would be great once again.