The Republican Party traces its roots to the 1850s, when antislavery leaders joined forces to oppose the extension of slavery into the Kansas and Nebraska territories. The party ultimately stood for slavery’s complete abolition. The modern Republican Party advocates for reduced taxes as a means of stimulating the economy and advancing individual economic freedom, and it generally supports conservative social policies. Republicans also tend to oppose extensive government regulation of the economy, government-funded social programs, and affirmative action. Regarding foreign policy, the Republican Party traditionally has supported a strong national defense and the aggressive pursuit of U.S. national security interests. Republicans also support states’ rights against the power of the federal government in most cases.
In the 21st century the Republican Party has been dominated by the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. Built off the 2016 campaign slogan of then-candidate Donald Trump, MAGA Republicans believe in “America first” policies, including immigration restrictions and protectionist trade policies.