As we enter the general election, some claim there is no difference between the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. One way to look at the differences is to compare the bills introduced and/or passed both on the federal and state level. Another is to compare the party platforms. We created Laws of Two Nations to look at both. The 2016 party platforms will be voted upon at their respective conventions later this year. Here are some highlights of the 2012 party platforms. The difference in the way each party proposes to govern is very stark.

Democratic Party Platform

• Support women’s access to contraception in insurance plans
• Support Roe v Wade & oppose any effort to weaken or undermine that right
• Oppose defunding Planned Parenthood
• Support ratification of the ERA
• Protect & expand Obamacare
• Protect marriage equality & expand LGBTQIA rights
• Protect & expand social security
• Protect Medicare & Medicaid
• Overturn Citizens United
• Raise taxes on the wealthy
• Oppose any effort to disenfranchise voting rights
• Support expansion of green energy

View entire Democratic Party Platform

Republican Party Platform

• Support constitutional amendment giving 14th amendment protections to unborn fetuses
• Appoint judges who respect the sanctity of life at conception
• Support constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union between one man & one woman
• Oppose ratification of the ERA
• Repeal Obamacare
• Privatize social security
• Privatize Medicare & Medicaid
• Oppose the overturn of Citizens United
• Cut taxes for the wealthy
• Support any effort to disenfranchise voting rights
• Oppose expansion of green energy

View entire GOP Party Platform

If any of these issues are important to you, it is imperative you vote in November knowing that either a Democrat or Republican will be elected – not just for President but every office down the ticket.

About Karen Teegarden: Karen is the CEO of UniteWomen.org, founded in February, 2012. She is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley and worked in the marketing and advertising sales industry in Michigan. Her daughter was raised to believe in her core that she was created equal. Karen began this journey to assure that all women live in a country that protects their equality.