This article is, perhaps, mislabled, as there are several ironies concerning the American political party system. But I want to focus on a major one, an amusing one, really, and that is the difference between a party's economic politics and its social politics.

When asked what the main difference between the Democratic Party and the Republican Party is, the answer that comes is simple enough. The democrats believe in big government, and the republicans believe in small governent. That is to say, democrats would want the government taking care of you at all times whereas the republicans would prefer it if the government just leave everyone to their devices and fend for themselves. This is apparent in both parties' economic strategies, as well as their stances on things like health care.

But the irony comes in when you look at their social politics. Some of the major issues in social politics for republicans and democrats are abortion, gay marriage, and stem cell research. The reblicans support the government intervening in each case, outlawing abortion, outlawing gay marriage, and outlawing stem cell research. The democrats, on the other hand, are saying "leave these things alone, let people do what they want!" Democrats are also more likely to support the legalization of marijuana, ending the decades long prohibition and allowing people to do what they think is right for themselves-- that's small government thinking. Republicans are also more likely to be calling for more homeland security, more police stations, and a stronger military-- All of that is government.

So what is it with these party systems? Shouldn't the social politics be reversed in order to reflect the major scheme of things? I have met several social liberals and economic conservatives. I have met a few (albeit less, considering my social circles) social conservatives and economic liberals. And don't those alignments make more sense, when it comes to the big reason people call themselves "liberal" or "conservative?"

It got me thinking-- how many people identify themselves as a democrat, or a liberal, because they agree with the social politics and assume that the economic are the same? How many call themselves conservative or republican for similar reasons?

Do you know what the party you identify with stands for? Why do you think American parties have evolved this way, being socially one way and economically another? Are both parties just a bunch of hypocrits? Or do either of them have a point? And what about socialism and libertarianism? Are their ideals clearer (and less hypocritical) than the democrats and republicans?

I'm sorry if this doesn't stir a debate. It's meant to.