What is GOP and why is it used in reference to Republicans?

DJ2008-02-06T12:11:54Z

Favorite Answer

GOP stands for Grand Old Party. It is an old nickname for the Republican Party.



After the Civil War, the upstart Republicans were perceived as the party that won the war. The Republicans who were firmly fixed into the Federal Government were ironically dubbed the "Gallant Old Party," which soon became known as the "Grand Old Party," which was then shortened to the "GOP." The Republicans are conservative, they favor reducing the size and role of the government, and they support the rights of the individual.