The Republican party is one of the two major political parties in the United States, the other being the Democratic party. It is also popularly known as the GOP, from its earlier nickname Grand Old Party. Traditionally, Republican strength came primarily from New England and Midwest. After World War II, however, it greatly increased in the Sunbelt states and the West. Generally speaking, after World War I the Republican party became the more conservative of the two major parties, with its support from the upper middle class and from the corporate, financial, and farming interests. 1It has taken political stances in favor of laissez-faire and free enterprise and against the welfare state.
After a 40 year Democratic majority reign over the House of Representatives, Republicans have been able to gain control back. The majority leader of the House of Representatives is Republican Representative Dick Armey. The Speaker of the House is Republican J. Dennis Hastert. Lastly, The Senate minority leader is Republican Senator Trent Lott. .
There are many issues in the country today that Congress have to deal with. The Republican party deals with these particular concerns through a conservative philosophy, unlike the Democratic party which follows a more liberal philosophy. Republicans feel that a proper role for the government is to regulate and oversee morality. Conservative republicans feel punishing people for immoral acts is proper government function. They also believe people should act appropriately in their marriages including the banning of homosexual marriages. Republicans have been dealing with the environment, abortion rights, war on terrorism, and privatization of social security because they have become leading concerns in the country today. .
The Republican party encourages market based solutions to environmental problems. Republicans feel that economic prosperity and environmental protection must advance together in order to ensure that proper programs can be stabilized between the government and the environment.