How has the U.S. Republican party changed over time?

Formed in the mid-19th c., the GOP's earliest famous figure was Abe Lincoln, and it opposed slavery and the demand of the southern states that they have virtual autonomy in self-governance. In effect, the GOP was the party of 'strong' gov't. read more

Influenced by the rise of tea party activists, this year’s platform, adopted Tuesday at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, has shifted to the right, particularly on fiscal issues. It calls for an audit of the Federal Reserve and a commission to study returning to the gold standard. read more