Who are Republicans? Our History

Throughout our history, the Republican Party has consistently demonstrated that our party was founded on equality for all. Republicans fought the battle for equality on behalf of our fellow Americans long before it was popular to do so. The Republican Party, since its inception, has been at the forefront of the fight for individuals’ Constitutional rights.

In 1964, Ronald Reagan explained it well

This is the issue of this election: whether we believe in our capacity for self-government or whether we abandon the American revolution and confess that a little intellectual elite in a far-distant capitol can plan our lives for us better than we can plan them ourselves.
There’s only an up or down: [up] man’s old-aged dream, the ultimate in individual freedom consistent with law and order, or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism.

We Are Republicans Because…

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

WE BELIEVE in equal human rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all (and that all human rights, being unalienable, should be reflected in the civil rights espoused by a nation).

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

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

WE 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.

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

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

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

Finally, WE BELIEVE the Republican Party is the best vehicle for translating these ideals into positive and successful principles of government.