Final answer:
Democrats are often described as progressive and liberal, advocating for policies like universal healthcare and federal governance. The Democratic Party has historically been associated with a diverse coalition of voters and has seen changes in its ideologies and policies over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
Two words that are often used to describe Democrats are progressive and liberal. The Democratic Party is known for advocating policies that involve greater government intervention in the economy and welfare state, such as universal healthcare and student loan forgiveness, as championed by political figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Historically, the party has also been associated with a diverse coalition of voters, including ethnic minorities and lower-income urban residents, particularly during the transformative period of the New Deal.
Moreover, Democrats typically support federal over state governance, advocating for national standards to ensure consistency across states. This is seen in the Democratic preference for policies set by the national government, whereas Republicans often favor states' rights and decentralized power.
It’s worth noting that the ideologies and policies of the Democratic Party have evolved over time, especially as historical contexts and the demographic constitution of their constituents have changed.