Conservative Republican and Democrat Ideologies In America, Republicans and Democrats are largely divided between a host of different issues. Part of the reason for this is based on political ideology, as balancing the needs of business and protecting the general public will often come into conflict with one another. In Dane County, the situation is no different, with both parties creating similar divides among the electorate. A good example of this can be seen by looking no further than, the Comprehensive Planning Survey. This found that residents wanted to see the government play a balanced role between the needs of business and the public. As there were a number of different elements that were identified as the most important part of the government's role to residents these include: promoting effective recycling efforts, avoiding the duplication of various government services and supporting intelligent economic growth. This is important, because many of these views will often mirror the trends that are taking place nationally. Evidence of this can be seen by looking no further than, a national poll on the environment conducted by Gallup. They found that 84% of Democrats, 68% of Independents and 47% of Republicans felt that the environment was becoming worse. (Martin) This is significant, because when you look at this issue, it is clear that the views of Democrats are supporting greater regulation of: business and the conservation of natural resources. While the Republicans, are favoring the various interests of business, by wanting to promote economic growth and limiting the overall amount of regulation. This is important, because it is showing the vast disparities that Republicans and Democrats will have on a host of different issues. To fully understand these disparities requires examining: the issues of economic growth and protecting the environment, in comparison with the views of both parties. We will then contrast them with the Comprehensive Planning Survey. Together, these different elements will provide the greatest insights, as to if voter opinions are consistent with national political ideologies.

Economic Growth

This is because their ideology has been, to support policies that can reinforce economic growth such as: the lowering of taxes and responsible government spending. Meaning, that they want to limit the size of the federal government, to ensure the free market is allowed to work smoothly. A good example of these vast differences can be seen with the recent compromise to extend the Bush tax cuts. Where, liberal Democrats wanted to see an end to the tax breaks, for the wealthiest Americans making over $250 thousand per year. While Republicans wanted to see the tax cuts extended permanently. (Johnston) This is important, because it shows the different views that both Republicans and Democrats will have on economic policy. As one party believes (the Democrats) that there should be more regulation and control on the needs of business (with the majority of business owners earning over $250 thousand a year). At the same time, the Republicans want to limit the various influences of government on business.
When you compare these views with the Comprehensive Planning Survey, it is clear that voter opinions are based more along economic realities and personal observations of the situation. A good example of this can be seen by looking no further than, views on support of various economic issues that will have a direct impact on business to include: land use and economic development. As the majority of respondents (55% for land used and 45% for economic development) said that they support the various initiatives to achieve these objectives. ("Comprehensive Planning Survey") This is significant, because the two numbers show a divergence that is occurring with voters. As the voters are supporting various initiatives, to help ensure responsible economic growth, while balancing the needs of the public. As a result, the views of the voters are based from more a centrist philosophy, by wanting to maintain some kind of balance between the needs of business and different regulations / government policy.

Protecting the Environment /…