What are the primary areas of difference between contemporary Democrats and Republicans? How are the two parties similar? What are the consequences of these patterns for voters and election outcomes? For policy outcomes?

Part One:

• Begin by completing the following political ideology quizzes: 
  
  • Advocates for Self Government a libertarian website: www.theadvocates.org/quizLinks to an external site.
  • Pew Research Center for People & the Press: www.people-press.org/typlogy/quizLinks to an external site.
• Next, analyze the results. Do you believe that these quizzes accurately measured your ideological leanings to the right or the left? Why or why not?

Part Two:

• Some people argue that there are no significant differences between the two major parties.  Backing up your perspective with appropriate sources, what are the major differences and similarities in the views of the Democratic and Republican parties (e.g., this review of party platforms, 1856-2016 www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/2016-election/conventions/party-platform-evolution/Links to an external site.)?  What are the primary areas of difference between contemporary Democrats and Republicans? How are the two parties similar? What are the consequences of these patterns for voters and election outcomes?  For policy outcomes?

Instructions for Writing Your Essay:

All essays must be written using proper English grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Points will be deducted for grammatical, punctuation, syntax, capitalization, etc. errors. Essays are automatically submitted to Turnitin. Work that Turnitin identifies as having more than a 10% rate of similarity (plagiarism) after quoted material and small matches (10 words or less) are excluded will not be read and will receive a grade of 0.