Are you a Republican?

This page is designed to help you find out if you belong in the Republican Party.  In addition to the content on this page, you should also explore the links listed in the "Expanded Links" section.  Don't worry if you don't agree with every Republican position on every issue.  We are the Big Tent party, not the party of litmus tests and slavish devotion to interest groups.  As you answer these questions, try to keep an open mind and realize that we are describing the principles of the party.  Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do I believe in the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution?

This question may seem trite, but it is actually fundamental to our party's beliefs.  At its very core, the Republican Party rose from the idea that the ideals of the Declaration of Independence had to be used to resolve some contradictions in the Constitution.  We don't need to re-fight the American Civil War here, but it was actually a pretty big issue in our party's founding and it remains at the center of our belief system.

2. Do I believe in Lincoln's description of the "legitimate object of government" at the bottom of the page? 

 Lincoln's formulation is perhaps the best formulation of the philosophy of the Republican Party?  Government is supposed to do those things that people can't do as individuals.  If individuals can do it by themselves, the government should stay out. 

3.  Do I believe in individual (rather than collective) rights and liberties?

4.  Can I get on board with most of the Party's platform?

Don't sweat it if you haven't read the party platform-- most normal people wouldn't bother. Nobody would argue that the party platform is a perfect document, so take it as a general statement of principles, not irrefutable laws. If you are interested in reading it though, click anywhere on this paragraph.

5.  Do I believe in the Republican Party's "Statement of Republican Principles?"

Here they are: 

Republican Principles

I'm a Republican Because...

I BELIEVE the strength of our nation lies with the individual and that each person’s dignity, freedom, ability and responsibility must be honored.

I BELIEVE in equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, creed, sex, age or disability.

I BELIEVE free enterprise and encouraging individual initiative have brought this nation opportunity, economic growth and prosperity.

I BELIEVE government must practice fiscal responsibility and allow individuals to keep more of the money they earn.

I BELIEVE the proper role of government is to provide for the people only those critical functions that cannot be performed by individuals or private organizations, and that the best government is that which governs least.

I BELIEVE the most effective, responsible and responsive government is government closest to the people.

I BELIEVE Americans must retain the principles that have made us strong while developing new and innovative ideas to meet the challenges of changing times.

I BELIEVE Americans value and should preserve our national strength and pride while working to extend peace, freedom and human rights throughout the world.

FINALLY, I believe the Republican Party is the best vehicle for translating these ideals into positive and successful principles of government.

 

Still Confused?

Try reading this article by Jonah Goldberg, one of the editors of National Review. It explains more about American conservatism. Even if you think you know about conservatism, you should still give it a quick read. Click anywhere in this paragraph to read the article.

Still or have a question?  You are in luck.  We happen to have our very own historian who can answer most of your questions about the Republican Party and American conservatism.  Contact him at historian@tulareyr.org.