The Republicans party’s platform and key Beliefs

The Republican Party is one of the two fundamental political parties in the United States, the other being the Democratic Party. The party is also commonly referred to as the GOP, for Grand Old Party. Founded in 1854 by anti-slavery activists and modernizers, the party initially fought the Kansas–Nebraska Act and the expansion of slavery into American territories. 

The party came to power in the 1860s with the election of Abraham Lincoln, one of its founders and first president. Under Lincoln, the party opposed the expansion of slavery while becoming dominant in the Northern United States. 

The GOP passed the Homestead Act and the Morrill Tariff, which raised tariffs on imported goods to protect American farmers and factory workers from competition abroad. At the same time, Lincoln negotiated a lower tariff with the United Kingdom in the 1860s. Spending was kept relatively low during the Civil War, and Lincoln paid for much of the war with tax increases, mainly for the wealthy.

During Reconstruction, Republicans supported black suffrage and civil rights but most abandoned these ideals during the 1870s with the return of white supremacists to power in the South. The Republican Party was dominant in the North until the 1890s when the Democratic Party became more competitive there. 

The GOP dropped its commitment to African-American rights and unsuccessfully ran three presidential candidates on a white supremacist platform in the late 19th century. The party was divided in 1896 over the issue of free silver, which many rural Republicans supported to increase the money supply, leading to the election of William McKinley, who kept the nation on the gold standard.

In 1912, Theodore Roosevelt formed the Progressive Party after a falling out with his hand-picked successor, William Howard Taft. The resulting split in the Republican Party helped elect Democrat Woodrow Wilson in 1912. The party was reunited in 1916 behind Roosevelt’s close ally, Supreme Court Justice Charles Evans Hughes. After World War I ended, the workplace changed dramatically, and unions became a significant force in American politics. The party supported business interests, however, and fought successfully to pass the Immigration Act of 1924 and limit unions’ power.

In the 1930s, the Great Depression challenged the party’s economic ideology. President Herbert Hoover, a Republican, pressed for laissez-faire policies and argued that the Depression was caused by the previous administration’s interference in the marketplace. 

The party’s Nominee Franklin D. Roosevelt argued that the Depression was caused by an “Economic Bill of Rights” that would guarantee Americans the right to a job, food, shelter, and medical care. Roosevelt’s New Deal policies successfully brought the country out of the Depression, and his commitment to fiscal conservatism helped set the stage for America’s involvement in World War II.

After World War II, the United States received much of the world’s gold, becoming the largest metal holder. The resulting global economic dominance helped shape the United States foreign policy for the remainder of the 20th century. The GOP advocated a hard line against the Soviet Union and supported the development of nuclear weapons. 

The party also became increasingly conservative on social issues, opposing Roe v. Wade and support for school prayer. The Republican Party came to power in the 1980 elections with the election of Ronald Reagan, one of the most popular presidents in American history. Under Reagan, the party pursued an agenda of lower taxes, smaller government, and free-market economics.

The Republican Party platform is based on conservatism, libertarianism, and nationalism principles. The party’s fundamental beliefs include a commitment to limited government, free markets, individual liberty, and traditional American values. The party also supports a strong national defense and is opposed to illegal immigration.

Below we will explore some of the Republicans key beliefs

Limited Government

The Republican Party believes that the role of the government should be limited. The party supports smaller governments and lower taxes. Republicans believe that the government should not be involved in the economy and that the free market should function without interference.

Free Markets

The Republican Party supports free markets and free trade. The party believes the economy is best managed when businesses and individuals can make their own decisions. Republicans support deregulation and reduced government spending.

Individual Liberty

The Republican Party supports individual liberty and the right to privacy. The party believes individuals should be free to make their own choices and decisions. Republicans support the right to bear arms and the right to life.

Traditional American Values

The Republican Party supports traditional American values. The party believes in the sanctity of marriage and opposes abortion. Republicans also support school choice and think parents should be able to select the best educational options for their children.

National Defense

The Republican Party supports a strong national defense. The party believes that the United States should be a world leader and that the military should be adequately funded. Republicans support a robust missile defense system and believe the United States should maintain a nuclear arsenal.

Homeland Security

The Republican Party supports homeland security and the War on Terror. The party believes the United States should take necessary steps to protect the country from terrorist attacks. Republicans support the Patriot Act and believe the government should have the tools to track and intercept enemy communications.

Illegal Immigration

The Republican Party opposes illegal immigration. The party believes the United States should secure its borders and enforce its immigration laws. Republicans support the construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and believe that illegal immigrants should be deported.

Fiscal Responsibility

The Republican Party supports fiscal responsibility. The party believes that the government should live within its means and that the national debt should be reduced. Republicans support a balanced budget and believe that cuts in government spending should pay for tax cuts.

Patriotism

The Republican Party is patriotic. This means that the party supports the United States and its Constitution. The party also believes in American exceptionalism and that the United States is a uniquely great nation with a unique role in the world.

Conclusion

Today, the Republican Party strongly advocates for smaller government, lower taxes, and individual rights. Its platform is based on these core beliefs, and the party strives to promote these values through its policies and actions. 

In recent years, the Republican Party has committed to reaching out to all Americans, and its platform reflects this inclusive approach. The party is united by its core beliefs and will continue to work to promote these values in the years to come.