Republicans are (were) traditionally the party of smaller government. This is seen as a good thing by many who believe that government interference in private matters is largely (or always) a bad thing. They believe that individuals are perfectly capable of running their own lives, and social programs are merely the beginnings of a “nanny state” mentality, with government as the provider and protector. Republicans see this as contrary to the original intent of the Nation’s founders.
The problem is that while most Republicans still hold these beliefs, their party has lost its way. While lowering taxes is one of the basic tenets of Republican ideals, it only works when used in conjunction with the others—cutting spending, fiscal responsibility, etc. Otherwise, the deficit grows and the only way to cover the shortfall is by printing more money, which increases inflation. Today’s Republican Party leadership does what is expedient to get elected, then is faced with the problems their decisions create (this isn’t a trait possessed exclusively by the GOP, btw).
The alternative for millions of Republicans, however, is worse. While most Democrats will claim that Republicans only vote Republican in hopes of repealing Roe, the truth (as is often the case) is not so black and white. Most Republicans view the willingness of Democrats to throw their money at problems which then never get solved a pretty important issue. At least Republicans tell them what they want to hear, never mind follow through. Democrats tell them that government is the only hope, that government is the answer to all society’s ills. The typical Conservative doesn’t believe this, and therefore, the idea of voting for someone like Obama or Hillary doesn’t sit well.
So, long answer short (too late, I know), Republicans are known for promoting individual dignity, freedom, ability and responsibility; equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all; free enterprise and individual initiative; fiscal responsibility and lower taxes; ensuring that the proper role of government is to provide for the people only those critical functions that cannot be performed by individuals or private organizations, and that the best government is that which governs least; that the most effective, responsible and responsive government is government closest to the people. Taken from the GOP website