Final answer:
The beliefs of political parties are represented in their platforms, which include policies and positions on a range of issues. Candidates may not fully align with their party's platform and thus express individual positions, and while political ideology plays a significant role, the two-party system tends to favor moderate stances.
Step-by-step explanation:
The differences between the beliefs of political parties can be discerned by reading each party's platform. Political parties, such as the Democrats and Republicans, offer citizens their viewpoints and principles on a variety of issues, encapsulating these in a platform that includes different policy stances or 'planks'. A party's platform provides a comprehensive list of the policies they advocate for, and these policies can be deeply influential in signaling to voters what the party stands for. For example, the Democratic Party often supports progressive issues such as women's reproductive rights, while the Republican Party typically endorses more restrictive measures in these areas.
It is important to note that candidates may not always agree with every aspect of their party's platform and thus may present their own individual positions. Therefore, voters are encouraged to engage in researching the candidates rather than solely depending on the party label. Political parties also recruit people to run for public office, and by doing so, help to organize and clarify election choices for the voters.
Often, political parties in the United States tend to adopt moderate positions to attract a wider voter base, avoiding the risks of taking a stand on highly controversial issues. However, political ideology, identifying as liberal or conservative, can greatly influence how an individual feels about specific political issues. The two-party system in the United States typically limits the scope of viable third-party candidates, further emphasizing the importance of the major party platforms.