Results are being declared in the US midterm elections, with control of Congress hanging in the balance.
The Senate and House of Representatives are the two parts of Congress, which is responsible for making national laws. At present the Democrats hold both, which makes it much easier for President Joe Biden to pass laws.
The Republicans are projected to take control of the House, but the race for the Senate remains too close to call.
If the Republicans take control of either the House of the Senate, they will essentially be able to block Mr Biden’s policies.
On the flipside, should the Republicans take both, Mr Biden could use his presidential veto to stand in the way of any more conservative laws they draw up.
But what exactly do the two parties stand for? Here’s what you need to know.
Who are the Democrats?
The Democratic Party is associated with the colour blue, and its logo is a donkey.
It was founded in 1830, making it the United States’ oldest political party, but it has changed significantly in its political leanings over time.
For example, during the 19th century the party supported ortoleratedslavery, and it opposed civil rights reforms after theAmerican Civil Warin order to retain the support of Southern voters.
The modern Democratic Party is viewed as liberal and socially progressive. Similarly to the UK’s Labour Party, there can be internal conflict between the more left-leaning and centrist wings of the party.
President Biden is a Democrat, as were Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. John F Kennedy, Franklin D Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson are among the more famous Democratic presidents from history.
Notable figures in the modern party include former presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, as well as New York representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is a leading voice from the party’s left.
Who are the Republicans?
The Republican Party is also known as the Grand Old Party (and more commonly by the initials GOP). It is associated with the colour red, with an elephant as its logo.
It was founded in 1854, and was originally the more progressive party. It stood against the extension ofslaveryto the country’s new territories and, ultimately, for slavery’s complete abolition.
However, the Republicans are now a right-wing, conservative party. Britannica explains: “During the 20th and 21st centuries the party came to be associated withlaissez-fairecapitalism, low taxes, andconservativesocial policies.”
Donald Trump has had a significant impact on the Republican Party of today. When he was elected in 2016 his far-right position was not indicative of the party as a whole, but today his supporters are the dominant force.
Notable former Republican presidents include both George HW Bush and George W Bush, Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon. Key figures today include Florida Governor Ron DeSanctis – who looks to be Mr Trump’s main competitor for the 2014 presidential nomination – and Texas Senator Ted Cruz.
What are their key differences?
The two parties are a long way apart politically, with key points of difference including views on climate change, government-run healthcare,abortion rightsand gun control.
Abortion has been a particular point of contention in recent times, with Republicans attempting to drastically limit abortion rights in the US.
In June the Republican-heavy Supreme Court overturned Roe vs Wade, the landmark piece of legislation that made access to an abortion a federal right in the US.
More from World
Israel launch new strikes in northern Gaza which kill at least 39 people22 June, 2024Red Cross claims 22 people killed after strike on Gaza office22 June, 2024I'm a pensioner living in Spain - tourists nearly forced me out of my home22 June, 2024
Britannica says: “Democrats are generally considered liberal, whileRepublicansare seen as conservative. The Democratic Party typically supports a larger government role in economic issues, backing regulations andsocial welfare programs. The Republicans, however, typically want a smaller government that is less involved in the economy.
“This contrary view on the size of government is reflected in their positions on taxes – Democrats favour aprogressive taxto finance government’s expanded role, while Republicans support lower taxes for all. However, Republicans do support a large budget for the military, and they often aggressively pursue US national security interests, even if that means acting unilaterally. Democrats, however, prefer multilateralism.
“On social issues, Democrats seek greater freedoms, while Republicans follow more traditional values, supporting government intervention in such matters.”
