WHAT IS A REPUBLICAN?
ORIGINS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY
The Republican Party was founded in the 1850's as a political party opposed to
slavery and supportive of individual freedom. It was founded on the idea that
the Declaration of Independence should apply to everyone.
PHILOSOPHY OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY
From the time of the first Republican President, Abraham Lincoln, Republicans
have stood for this sense of economic and social opportunity. The Republican
Party is the party of the individual, the party of freedom, and the party of
limited government
Abraham Lincoln told us, "The legitimate object of government is to do for a
community of people whatever they need to have done, but cannot do at all, or
cannot do so well in their separate and individual capacities. In all that
people can do for themselves, the government ought not to interfere." His words
embody the basic Republican philosophy of government.
Republicans believe good government is based on the premise that each person's
freedom, ability, dignity and responsibility must be recognized and honored.
However, a belief in the worth and power of the individual does not preclude
responsibility to our fellow citizens. The Republican Party believes it is
imperative that we assist those truly in need, those who, for whatever reason,
are not able to provide for themselves.
WE ARE REPUBLICANS BECAUSE...
WE BELIEVE...
The proper function of government is to do for the people those things that have
to be done but cannot be done, or cannot be done as well, by individuals, and
that the most effective government is government closest to the people.
WE BELIEVE...
That good government is based upon the individual and that each person's
ability, dignity, freedom and responsibility must be honored and recognized.
WE BELIEVE...
That the free enterprise and the encouragement of individual initiative and
incentive have given this nation an economic system second to none.
WE BELIEVE...
That sound money management should be our goal.
WE BELIEVE...
In equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all, regardless of
race, creed, age, sex or national origin.
WE BELIEVE...
We must retain those principles of the past worth retaining, yet always be
receptive to new ideas with an outlook broad enough to accommodate thoughtful
change and varying points of view.
WE BELIEVE...
That Americans value and should preserve their feeling of national strength and
pride, and at the same time share with people everywhere a desire for peace and
freedom and the extension of human rights throughout the world.
