What does the Republican Party symbolize?

The Republican Party is symbolized by the elephant, which has become a recognizable icon associated with the party since the late 19th century. This symbol is thought to represent strength, intelligence, and resilience, qualities that the party aims to embody in its political ideology and governance. The imagery of the elephant was popularized through political cartoons by Thomas Nast, an influential cartoonist of that era, and has since become a key emblem of the party's identity.

In contrast, the other options carry different meanings or associations that do not pertain specifically to the Republican Party. For instance, blue is commonly associated with the Democratic Party, while lions and doves represent different concepts in political symbolism and are not directly linked to the Republican tradition. Thus, the elephant stands out as the correct representation of the Republican Party.