If you were going to try to explain the difference between political parties to a 13 yo - what would be the most fundamental points to point out?

Without bashing please, how would you explain the differences between the Republican, Democratic and LIberal parties?

I didn't think that explaining them could be so complicated.

Republicans = Good
Democraps = Bad

make a list of the issues that the parties support, and compare the lists to each other.

explain the issues first.

I think you'd be better off explaining the differences of conservatism and liberalism.

Socialists vs communists

Don't know enough about Canadian politics to comment on the Liberal Party.

Sorry

alright alright alright....

As I said -  I need the facts.  I find myself getting "worked up" when explaining politics because I keep explaining as right vs wrong.  How can I keep my own opinions out of it?  It's my cousin and her parents see things very different from me.  

Instead or arguing, how can I list the main points of each party and what are the key ones that I should use?

If you can explain to me how to get their attention long enough to explain political parties in America, you are probably smarter than I am and don't need my advice.

But seriously, did you just decide it was time to have that talk?
Is he displaying curiosity about it?

If he/she's curious, it's easy. Just start having a conversation.
If he's not, I'd start off slow; try to find a way to intrigue him.
I don't know, maybe blogs, if he/she likes computers/the internet. <if you at least occasionally check out what he's reading, and talk about it with hime or her>

Good luck.

Updated to add:

Instead or arguing, how can I list the main points of each party and what are the key ones that I should use?

I don't see anything wrong with interjecting your opinions, just keep a sense of humor about it. Nor do I see anything wrong with viewing the whole thing through a right/wrong perspective. It might , however, make explaining politics harder.