They believe in a very small government and advocate self-government, or the right to decide for yourself what's best for you and how to act as long as you're not putting someone else in danger.
Democrats prefer a large federal government.
They believe in maintaining or increasing taxes in order to increase funding for federal programs such as welfare, social security, health care, educational programs, federal bureaucracies, and others. Republicans prefer a smaller government than the Democrats, with most power going to the local and state levels rather than the federal level. They believe in reducing taxes while reforming or privatizing government programs. Republicans also believe the government has an obligation to uphold the morality of it's citizens. The party warns against career politicians and the influence of special interest on the Republican and Democratic parties.