PolitiGuide 2016: A Simple and Neutral Summary of the Most Important Issues in the 2016 Presidential Election

by Julian Rudolph, Kyle Hackel

Overview

PolitiGuide 2016 summarizes the Republican and Democratic parties’ most common viewpoints on each political issue in the 2016 presidential election. This content is presented in an unbiased and “to the point” format so that you can be an informed, articulate, and empowered American voter. Get the big picture, fast with PolitiGuide 2016.

Republicans vs. Democrats:

Hearing a lot about the Presidential election but want to learn some of the basics?

Want to join in political discussions with your friends and family?

Tired of all the misleading political articles on social media?

Want to learn the main Republican and Democratic arguments on all the major issues?

Want to better understand your parties’ viewpoint? The opposing parties’ viewpoint?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781630477066
Publisher:	Morgan James Publishing
Publication date:	11/10/2015
Pages:	86
Product dimensions:	4.90(w) x 6.80(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Julian Rudolph and Kyle Hackel graduated from Rollins College in 2012 with degrees in Political Science. Julian went on to graduate from the Universityof Miami Law School of Law. Kyle commissioned as an Officer in the United States Marine Corps and is pursuing his Masters of Business Administration at Clemson University. Through their shared interests in politics, Julian and Kyle developed the idea for PolitiGuide 2016.

Read an Excerpt

Gay Marriage

This section discusses religious beliefs and equality

Brief History of The Issue

In the past ten years, the issue of gay rights has become one of the most highly debated and controversial issues in United States politics. The debate centers on whether or not gay men and women should be able to get married. Historically, marriage in America was permitted only between a man and a woman. In the late 1990s the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was passed. This Act outlawed gay marriage in the United States at the Federal level. In 2012, DOMA was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court and the decision of whether or not gay couples can get married was left to the individual states. The Supreme Court has not yet decided whether or not gay marriage is legal at the Federal level. This decision would make gay marriage legal in every state. As of February 9, 2015, gay marriage has been legalized in 37 states.

Republican Stance

Generally, it is the Republican Party that opposes gay marriage. Republicans point out that marriage has traditionally been defined as a union between a man and a woman. They argue that allowing same-sex couples to marry will weaken the legitimate institution of marriage. In addition, they claim that children are more likely to grow up in an ideal environment when raised by a man and a woman, not two men or two women. Some Republicans argue that children raised in a same-sex household will be deprived of the benefits of both a male and female presence during adolescence.

Some Republicans oppose same sex marriage for religious reasons. They often argue that expanding marriage to same sex couples may lead to churches being required to marry gay couples. This would go against the fundamental principles of that religion. They argue that the government should not force them to embrace moral policies that contradict their religious beliefs. In addition, schools may begin to teach children that same sex marriage is equal to opposite sex marriage—something that many religious Republicans reject. Democratic Stance

Democrats, on the other hand, generally argue that same sex couples should have all of the same marriage rights as straight couples. They argue that it is fair for same sex couples to be able to celebrate and memorialize their relationships in the same way that straight couples can (through marriage). Advocates of same sex marriage also argue that gay marriage will not harm family values. These advocates commonly argue that there is a lack of data to support the argument that gay marriage will have a negative effect on heterosexual families and that a nation with a diverse range of family types is positive for our society.

Heterosexual married couples receive some benefits from the government such as federal tax benefits, retirement benefits, employee benefits, legal benefits, benefits relating to death, and immigration benefits. Therefore, another popular argument among gay marriage supporters is that gay couples should also have the right to these government benefits. In their view, anything less is discrimination.

Some Democrats argue that the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution grants gay couples the right to get married. The amendment says, “No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”

Table of Contents

A SIMPLE AND NEUTRAL SUMMARY OF THE PARTIES

The Democrats

The Republicans

A SIMPLE AND NEUTRAL SUMMARY OF THE ISSUES

Abortion

Capital Punishment

The Economy

Gay Marriage

Global Warming and Environmental Policy

Gun Control

Healthcare

Immigration

National Security/Terrorism

ADDITIONAL ISSUES

Campaign Financing

Education

The Islamic State

Marijuana

Race Relations

VOTER INFORMATION

How to Register

What to Expect on Voting Day

Alternative Ways to Vote