Populist is often used to describe any philosophy or rhetorical style that pits the common good against special interests, the little guy against the establishment, and rural interests against urban ones. Populism is currently associated with certain issues, specifically trade protectionism and opposition to illegal immigration.

The Republican platform thus tends to focus on tax cuts, smaller government,“traditional” social values, and a strong national defense.

Republicans believe that the free market should be left alone and that government should get out of the way. Democrats believe that the market can be unfair and that government is needed to help people and to make the system work better. Another way to distinguish them is to look at what they believe government ought to govern: generally speaking,