Can somebody explain American politics to me?

There are more than two, but only two are electable due to FPTP.. and only two parties are represented in Congress. It's like our situation here with Labour vs Conservatives, but 10 times worse, because at least parties like the Greens, SNP, Liberal Democrats and UKIP are represented in parliament here.

 

There are two parties, and one of them is completely insane. The party that's completely insane controls everything except the presidency.

 

Depressing and accurate.

 

You really don't want to know.

It mostly comes down to red elephants and blue donkeys. Both are equally insane and irrational and have just as insane and irrational followers, while the only smidge of "truth" (if such a thing exists in politics) exists somewhere in the gray area between...

I'm a misanthrope so... I don't exactly consider myself a very political type. Haven't the tolerance.

 

Republicans support smaller central government and stronger states rights. They are often more religious and have a bad reputation with LGBT people. Socially conservative and often don't like change. Believe in equal opportunity for people to succeed in economy (more capitalist). Often favor big business. Less concern for environment, so more likely to support dependency on cheap fossil fuels. Support expanding gun rights, meaning less gun control. Anti-abortion and often would favor a typical Christian stance on issues, such as gay marriage, prayer in school, not teaching evolution, etc. Likes to set moral standards for right and wrong. Tends to be more nationalist, so stricter immigration laws would be included. Often favors expanding military.

Democrats believe in a stronger central government. Often more secular and are more socially progressive. Often lean towards equal results in economy rather than equal opportunity (more socialist). Though, the US is a capitalist system, but Democrats often have socialist tendencies. Often likes to support minority groups which results in more support from minority groups like Latinos, blacks, LGBT, etc. More concern for environment, which means they're more likely to support alternative energy. Believes more in freedom to personal choice, such as abortion, marijuana, etc. Democrats are often more secular, but a fair amount are Christians. Believes in stricter gun laws. Believes in allowing more immigration. Would likely oppose expanding military (unless in times of threat to national security).


Does this help?

 

You have the Republicans, who support more meddlesome intervention in your private lives, who support big business over individuals, and tend to like wars, because they help these businesses make money, and also help their fiends make money. They don't like science, nature, public transportation, bicycles, women, blacks and gay people. They also tend to be ultra-religious, and pushy about it.

Then you have the democrats, who tend to be a bit more mellow, but also caught up in the money thing, though they tend to believe in science, the environment, and things that help the more common person, vs. the rich.

 

Two parties that are essentially owned by corporate interests. Yes, both. Democrat supporters are getting fleeced as much as Republicans.

 

The most accurate and less biased one.

 

Wow, you could take several university courses on the subject and never fully grasp that system.

Essentially a two party system with a centrist party(sorry but the democrats are not left wing usually) and an extreme right wing party. Heavily influenced by corporate "donations." Which is why corporations get away with so much there. It is also why they seem to be perpetually in an election as there is money to always spend.(Also there is house elections every two years which helps)

Its also a presidential system which would be a bit unfamiliar to most outside of the Americas and some of Africa. Since much of the world uses some form of the parliamentary system.

My recommendation is that you read news on the matter somewhat regularly and the picture will slowly become clearish. Though I recommend more sources from outside the USA since they are rather biased usually. BBC might be a good start. (not saying non US media isn't biased but it seems US media has a lot of skin in the game)

 

Yup, we have two parties that stand a chance at winning. There are definitely other parties but you will have 0.00000000001% of a chance of winning if you're with anything but the Republic or Democratic Party.

We are also plagued by people not giving a shit. I hate to put it like that but when you're right, you're right. I am pretty sure that in my area, 7% of the population that could vote voted during the last election. Yes, 7%. That to me is utterly appalling.

 

There are more than 2 parties, however, the other parties are pretty much jokes because no one will ever take them seriously and they might as well not even exist.

As for the sum

Republicans: Liberals are evil and want to destroy America! Vote for us and we'll make America awesome!

Democrats: Rebulicans are evil and want to destroy America! Vote for us and we'll make America awesome!


Reality

They both suck.

---------- Post added 13th Oct 2015 at 10:30 PM ----------

I have no plans to vote. I don't like any of the candidates really and honestly they're all in the overall kinda the same thing. You're gonna get screwed over no matter who ya vote for so why bother?

 

Republicans want the right for us to be individually offensive to others, while Democrats want the right for us to be collectively offensive to individuals. Or, as I say, they're both sides of the same hand. You're only choosing how you want to be slapped; getting slapped is a given.

That's a little cynical, but the only difference I see between the two, aside from their focuses, is what kind of society they want to embrace as the foundation.

 

Money.

 

Money greed and power

 

The Party With No Brains vs. The Party With No Balls

 

As one American friend told me... Our election process is a marathon. Yours is a sprint.
Canada has three parties in contention. Whoever you vote for, fellow Canadians VOTE on Monday. In many countries they are willing to die for the right to vote. It is your civic duty to vote. I'm still undecided, though leaning left.

 

Republicans: ("Conservative")
likes: guns, money, small government, freedom of religion (by which they mean Christianity), "family values"
dislikes: "the gays," taxes on the wealthy, welfare, food stamps, any religion other than Fundamentalist Christianity, "Obamacare," abortion
most known for: loud speeches and big promises, threats, lies, and "othering" language to get support (ex. "they're destroying the traditional family!" "abortion is ripping living children out from between a crying woman's legs and then using their brains for science!")

Democrats: ("Liberal")
likes: LGBTers, freedom of religion (by which they usually mean, atheism/agnosticism), big government, welfare, food stamps, "Obamacare," women's right to choose,
dislikes: loud noises (see: Trump), making concrete statements
most known for: flip-flopping, hoping people will listen to the voice of reason over charisma, trying to be "hip with the kids" (ex. Hilary on SNL, Obama on practically every late night tv show and "between two ferns"

 

*facepalms* Oh god.

Yes there are more than two parties but they're pretty much nonexistent. Might as well not exist at all. xD

Republicans are conservatives. (Less like conservatives and more like supremely stupid) They have brainwashed a lot of the US which is why our Senate and House of Reps. have been taken over by Republicans. This year in the election the Republicans have just a bunch of idiots (they have like TEN candidates it's ridiculous and they're all the SAME except they still pick childish fights with each other) Look up Donald Trump and you'll get the whole image.

Democrats are the "good guy" right now. (Or at least the best we got) They pretty much support anything the Republicans don't.

Keep in mind that the parties haven't always been like this. They kinda flip flopped around the late 20th century... (after Ronald Reagan was president. The Republicans worship him but the funny thing is that Reagan would have been appalled at what his party has become xD)