Daylife

U.S. Republican Party | ORGANIZATION

 

The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. It is often called the Grand Old Party or the GOP. Founded in Jackson, Michigan, in 1854 by anti-slavery expansion activists and modernizers, the Republican Party quickly surpassed the Whig Party as the principal opposition to the Democratic Party. It first came to power in 1860 with the election of Abraham Lincoln to the presidency and presided over the American Civil War and Reconstruction. Today, the party supports a conservative and/or center-right platform, with further foundations in supply-side fiscal policies and social conservatism.

Read the full background at Wikipedia

Photos 

WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 21: The Senate's health care reform bill sits on the podium following a news conference by Republican Senators on Capitol Hill on November 21, 2009 in Washington, DC. The Senate is expected to cast a procedural vote on the measure later today after Senate Democrats said they secured enough votes needed to propel major health care legislation to the floor for debate.

WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 21: The Senate's health care reform bill sits on the podium following a news conference by Republican Senators on Capitol Hill on November 21, 2009 in Washington, DC. The Senate is expected to cast a procedural vote on the measure later today after Senate Democrats said they secured enough votes needed to propel major health care legislation to the floor for debate.

Getty Images 

US Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (L) R-KY walks past the Senate Chamber after a Senate Republican Leadership news conference about health care reform on November 20, 2009 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

US Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (L) R-KY walks past the Senate Chamber after a Senate Republican Leadership news conference about health care reform on November 20, 2009 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

AFP/Getty Images 

WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 20:  Sen. John Thune (R-SD) (L) delivers remarks during a news conference about health care reform with Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) at the U.S. Capitol November 20, 2009 in Washington, DC. The Republican senators accused the Obama Administration of rationing health care after a panel of doctors announced that women should begin getting regular mammogram at age 50 instead of 40.

WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 20: Sen. John Thune (R-SD) (L) delivers remarks during a news conference about health care reform with Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) at the U.S. Capitol November 20, 2009 in Washington, DC. The Republican senators accused the Obama Administration of rationing health care after a panel of doctors announced that women should begin getting regular mammogram at age 50 instead of 40.

Getty Images 

People carrying their copies of  the former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's book, "Going Rogue,"  wait in line Thursday morning, Nov. 19, 2009 at the Borders Bookstore in Noblesville, Ind., for a chance to see Palin during her book signing.

People carrying their copies of the former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's book, "Going Rogue," wait in line Thursday morning, Nov. 19, 2009 at the Borders Bookstore in Noblesville, Ind., for a chance to see Palin during her book signing.

AP 

Maurine Grantham of Indianapolis, left, and Sharon New, right, carrying their copies of  the former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's book, "Going Rogue,"  wait in line Thursday morning, Nov. 19, 2009 at the Borders Bookstore in Noblesville, Ind., for a chance to see Palin during her book signing.

Maurine Grantham of Indianapolis, left, and Sharon New, right, carrying their copies of the former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's book, "Going Rogue," wait in line Thursday morning, Nov. 19, 2009 at the Borders Bookstore in Noblesville, Ind., for a chance to see Palin during her book signing.

AP 

People carrying their copies of  the former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's book, "Going Rogue,"  wait in line Thursday morning, Nov. 19, 2009 at the Borders Bookstore in Noblesville, Ind., for a chance to see Palin during her book signing.

People carrying their copies of the former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's book, "Going Rogue," wait in line Thursday morning, Nov. 19, 2009 at the Borders Bookstore in Noblesville, Ind., for a chance to see Palin during her book signing.

AP 

Maurine Grantham of Indianapolis, left, and Sharon New, right, carrying their copies of  the former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's book, "Going Rogue,"  wait in line Thursday morning, Nov. 19, 2009 at the Borders Bookstore in Noblesville, Ind., for a chance to see Palin during her book signing.

Maurine Grantham of Indianapolis, left, and Sharon New, right, carrying their copies of the former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's book, "Going Rogue," wait in line Thursday morning, Nov. 19, 2009 at the Borders Bookstore in Noblesville, Ind., for a chance to see Palin during her book signing.

AP 

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -  NOVEMBER 18:  An employee stacks copies of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's new book, 'Going Rogue' at a Barnes & Noble bookstore November 18, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Palin, the former Republican vice-presidential candidate and Alaska Governor, chose Grand Rapids as the first stop of her book signing tour.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - NOVEMBER 18: An employee stacks copies of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's new book, 'Going Rogue' at a Barnes & Noble bookstore November 18, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Palin, the former Republican vice-presidential candidate and Alaska Governor, chose Grand Rapids as the first stop of her book signing tour.

Getty Images 

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -  NOVEMBER 18:  Pat Morgenstern of Middleville, Michigan reads  as her and other people wait on line for the signing of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's new book, 'Going Rogue' at a Barnes & Noble bookstore November 18, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Palin, the former Republican vice-presidential candidate and Alaska Governor, chose Grand Rapids as the first stop of her book signing tour.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - NOVEMBER 18: Pat Morgenstern of Middleville, Michigan reads as her and other people wait on line for the signing of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's new book, 'Going Rogue' at a Barnes & Noble bookstore November 18, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Palin, the former Republican vice-presidential candidate and Alaska Governor, chose Grand Rapids as the first stop of her book signing tour.

Getty Images 

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -  NOVEMBER 18:  A man waits on line for the signing of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's new book, 'Going Rogue' at a Barnes & Noble bookstore November 18, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Palin, the former Republican vice-presidential candidate and Alaska Governor, chose Grand Rapids as the first stop of her book signing tour.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - NOVEMBER 18: A man waits on line for the signing of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's new book, 'Going Rogue' at a Barnes & Noble bookstore November 18, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Palin, the former Republican vice-presidential candidate and Alaska Governor, chose Grand Rapids as the first stop of her book signing tour.

Getty Images 

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -  NOVEMBER 18:  People wait on line for the signing of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's new book, 'Going Rogue' at a Barnes & Noble bookstore November 18, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Palin, the former Republican vice-presidential candidate and Alaska Governor, chose Grand Rapids as the first stop of her book signing tour.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - NOVEMBER 18: People wait on line for the signing of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's new book, 'Going Rogue' at a Barnes & Noble bookstore November 18, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Palin, the former Republican vice-presidential candidate and Alaska Governor, chose Grand Rapids as the first stop of her book signing tour.

Getty Images 

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -  NOVEMBER 18:  People wait on line for the signing of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's new book, 'Going Rogue' at a Barnes & Noble bookstore November 18, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Palin, the former Republican vice-presidential candidate and Alaska Governor, chose Grand Rapids as the first stop of her book signing tour.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - NOVEMBER 18: People wait on line for the signing of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's new book, 'Going Rogue' at a Barnes & Noble bookstore November 18, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Palin, the former Republican vice-presidential candidate and Alaska Governor, chose Grand Rapids as the first stop of her book signing tour.

Getty Images 

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -  NOVEMBER 18:  People wait in line hours early to get their copy of former Alalska Gov. and Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin's new book, 'Going Rogue' personally signed at a Barnes & Noble bookstore November 18, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Palin chose Grand Rapids as the first stop of her book signing tour.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - NOVEMBER 18: People wait in line hours early to get their copy of former Alalska Gov. and Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin's new book, 'Going Rogue' personally signed at a Barnes & Noble bookstore November 18, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Palin chose Grand Rapids as the first stop of her book signing tour.

Getty Images 

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -  NOVEMBER 18: A table sits empty where former Alaska Governor and Republican Vice Presidental candidate Sarah Palin will be kicking off her book signing tour for her new book, 'Going Rogue' at a Barnes & Noble bookstore November 18, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Palin chose Grand Rapids as the first stop of her book signing tour.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - NOVEMBER 18: A table sits empty where former Alaska Governor and Republican Vice Presidental candidate Sarah Palin will be kicking off her book signing tour for her new book, 'Going Rogue' at a Barnes & Noble bookstore November 18, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Palin chose Grand Rapids as the first stop of her book signing tour.

Getty Images 

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -  NOVEMBER 18:  Justin Lyman of Grand Rapids, Michigan, waits in line since hours early to get his copies of former Alaska Governor and Republican Vice Presidental candidate Sarah Palin's new book, 'Going Rogue' personally signed at a Barnes & Noble bookstore November 18, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Palin chose Grand Rapids as the first stop of her book signing tour.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - NOVEMBER 18: Justin Lyman of Grand Rapids, Michigan, waits in line since hours early to get his copies of former Alaska Governor and Republican Vice Presidental candidate Sarah Palin's new book, 'Going Rogue' personally signed at a Barnes & Noble bookstore November 18, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Palin chose Grand Rapids as the first stop of her book signing tour.

Getty Images 

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -  NOVEMBER 18:  Copies of former Alaska Governor and Republican Vice Presidental candidate Sarah Palin's new book, 'Going Rogue' are displayed at a Barnes & Noble bookstore where Palin is kicking off her book signing tour November 18, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Palin chose Grand Rapids as the first stop of her book signing tour.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - NOVEMBER 18: Copies of former Alaska Governor and Republican Vice Presidental candidate Sarah Palin's new book, 'Going Rogue' are displayed at a Barnes & Noble bookstore where Palin is kicking off her book signing tour November 18, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Palin chose Grand Rapids as the first stop of her book signing tour.

Getty Images 

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -  NOVEMBER 18: A table sits empty where former Alaska Governor and Republican Vice Presidental candidate Sarah Palin will be kicking off her book signing tour for her new book, 'Going Rogue' at a Barnes & Noble bookstore November 18, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Palin chose Grand Rapids as the first stop of her book signing tour.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - NOVEMBER 18: A table sits empty where former Alaska Governor and Republican Vice Presidental candidate Sarah Palin will be kicking off her book signing tour for her new book, 'Going Rogue' at a Barnes & Noble bookstore November 18, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Palin chose Grand Rapids as the first stop of her book signing tour.

Getty Images 

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -  NOVEMBER 18:  People wait on line hours early to get their copy of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's new book, 'Going Rogue' personally signed by Palin at a Barnes & Noble bookstore November 18, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Palin, the former Republican vice-presidential candidate and Alaska Governor, chose Grand Rapids as the first stop of her book signing tour.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - NOVEMBER 18: People wait on line hours early to get their copy of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's new book, 'Going Rogue' personally signed by Palin at a Barnes & Noble bookstore November 18, 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Palin, the former Republican vice-presidential candidate and Alaska Governor, chose Grand Rapids as the first stop of her book signing tour.

Getty Images 

Californian Republican Senate candidate Carly Fiorina holds a roundtable discussions with reporters in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009.

Californian Republican Senate candidate Carly Fiorina holds a roundtable discussions with reporters in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009.

AP 

Californian Republican Senate candidate Carly Fiorina holds a roundtable discussions with reporters in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009.

Californian Republican Senate candidate Carly Fiorina holds a roundtable discussions with reporters in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009.

AP 

  of  

WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 21: The Senate's health care reform bill sits on the podium following a news conference by Republican Senators on Capitol Hill on November 21, 2009 in Washington, DC. The Senate is expected to cast a procedural vote on the measure later today after Senate Democrats said they secured enough votes needed to propel major health care legislation to the floor for debate.

WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 21: The Senate's health care reform bill sits on the podium following a news conference by Republican Senators on Capitol Hill on November 21, 2009 in Washington, DC. The Senate is expected to cast a procedural vote on the measure later today after Senate Democrats said they secured enough votes needed to propel major health care legislation to the floor for debate.

Getty Images 

US Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (L) R-KY walks past the Senate Chamber after a Senate Republican Leadership news conference about health care reform on November 20, 2009 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

US Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (L) R-KY walks past the Senate Chamber after a Senate Republican Leadership news conference about health care reform on November 20, 2009 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

AFP/Getty Images 

WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 20:  Sen. John Thune (R-SD) (L) delivers remarks during a news conference about health care reform with Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) at the U.S. Capitol November 20, 2009 in Washington, DC. The Republican senators accused the Obama Administration of rationing health care after a panel of doctors announced that women should begin getting regular mammogram at age 50 instead of 40.

WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 20: Sen. John Thune (R-SD) (L) delivers remarks during a news conference about health care reform with Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) at the U.S. Capitol November 20, 2009 in Washington, DC. The Republican senators accused the Obama Administration of rationing health care after a panel of doctors announced that women should begin getting regular mammogram at age 50 instead of 40.

Getty Images 

People carrying their copies of  the former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's book, "Going Rogue,"  wait in line Thursday morning, Nov. 19, 2009 at the Borders Bookstore in Noblesville, Ind., for a chance to see Palin during her book signing.

People carrying their copies of the former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's book, "Going Rogue," wait in line Thursday morning, Nov. 19, 2009 at the Borders Bookstore in Noblesville, Ind., for a chance to see Palin during her book signing.

AP 

Maurine Grantham of Indianapolis, left, and Sharon New, right, carrying their copies of  the former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's book, "Going Rogue,"  wait in line Thursday morning, Nov. 19, 2009 at the Borders Bookstore in Noblesville, Ind., for a chance to see Palin during her book signing.

Maurine Grantham of Indianapolis, left, and Sharon New, right, carrying their copies of the former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's book, "Going Rogue," wait in line Thursday morning, Nov. 19, 2009 at the Borders Bookstore in Noblesville, Ind., for a chance to see Palin during her book signing.

AP 

Launch Gallery   of