Title: What Is the Ideology of the Democrats? | Synonym
Headings: What Is the Ideology of the Democrats?
What Is the Ideology of the Democrats?
Explore this article
1 Forms of Liberalism
2 Dominant Themes
3 Government's Role in Society
4 Overlapping Values

Content: Explore this article
Forms of Liberalism
Dominant Themes
Government's Role in Society
Overlapping Values
1 Forms of Liberalism
Democrats have long been known as the liberal party in the United States, whereas Republicans are often more socially and fiscally conservative. Democrats tend to support progressive social causes, a stronger taxation system and social programs based on community responsibility. The democratic sense of "liberal" refers to social liberalism, an ideology that seeks a balance between individual liberty, social justice and the common good. Like classical liberalism, social liberalism supports a market economy and expansion of civil rights to all citizens. However, social liberalism says government should be involved in addressing issues such as poverty and access to education and health care. 2 Dominant Themes
While Democrats have maintained broad appeal, over the years they have received much of their support from lower-income workers, laborers, ethnic minorities and social liberals. Some of this support has to do with the party's focus on favoring business regulations and a progressive approach to taxation. Such measures, the party says, increase market fairness, prevent unfair labor practices and fund social programs intended to help the disadvantaged. Since the 1930s, the Democrats have focused on the advancement of welfare programs, civil rights and abortion rights. Broadly, on foreign policy matters, Democrats are seen as less hawkish than their Republican counterparts.