Generally, and I mean GENERALLY – this is not always true of individual candidates or leaders: Republicans tend to be more traditional or right wing on issues and Democrats more leftist or radical. Both parties take different stances on issues like Taxes, Education, Environment, War and Defense, Immigration, Abortion, Gay Marriage, etc… You’ll find most of the time, the parties are completely opposing in their views on hard issues like these that affect our money and which way our country is leaning. Democrats tend to like bigger government and Republicans keeping the power within a smaller group of people. Democrats love funding environmental causes and lowering taxes, and most are pro-choice. Republicans are pro-life and generally have no problems when voting to raise taxes or drill for more oil, like say in Alaska! Republicans also seem to understand the need for a strong well-funded military. Democrats prefer to negotiate and mediate longer before choosing to go to war – while Republicans generally have no problem sending our troops in.

Generally though, for many smaller problems, Democrats and Republicans see eye to eye or at least similarly and there are good people on both sides of the fence.

I try to vote by candidate and not strictly by party. I support some of both. The issue that personally bothers me the most is abortion. I am very much opposed. I am pro-life. I also 100% supportive of our military, but am not a fan of what’s happening in Iraq. There should have been better planning. It should have been better thought out. I am all about drilling oil in the US, if it is done safely and effectively. I enjoy a clean environment. I have no problem driving a hybrid – I’d like to see hydrogen vehicles in the next 5-10 years. I’m pro-education and I don’t mind paying taxes. I’m thankful I live in a free country and I’m happy I am able to pay taxes.

Hope this answers some of your question.

Are you talking about traditional differences or contemporary differences? Contemporary differences tend to be that republicans don’t like change and like to play things safe and that democrats support change and experimentation (in all fields, not just science). The common terms are that republicans are more conservative and that democrats are more liberal.