A Republican is typically a person who believes in self reliance, enforcement of “the rules”, and “what is mine, is mine, not yours”. These are common “conservative” values. Republicans are typically found in rural areas, the military, police, and places where wealthy people are found.
A Democrat is a person who typically believes, “I am my brother’s keeper”, “we’re all in this together”, and “I win when you win”. These are typical liberal values. Democrates are typically found in urban areas and professions that help people such as teachers, nurses, and social work. Because they are “givers”, they are not usually wealthy, althought some wealthy people who recall being poor, early in their lives, are Democrats.
During the time of the Civil War, Republicans were the progressive, liberal political party in favor of freeing slaves and promoting human rights. Over time the polarity of Democrates and Republicans slowly changed. Civil Right Act of 1964 finalized the shift when southeastern states who had been mostly poor and Democrat, became solidly Republican in protest to this legislation.
Another political polarity shift is taking place today as more minorities populate the Southern United States. Texas is predicted to be a liberal (a.k.a. “blue”) state in the next 10 years.
