1. Political Ideologies
Economics
Mr. Mizak

2. Political Ideology
• Ideology: A comprehensive, integrated set of views about government and politics.
A coherent set of ideas of on how people should live together
A plan of action for applying these ideas

3. Our Ideology Comes from Political Socialization
The process by which we are taught and develop our individual and collective political beliefs
Factors Influencing Political Socialization
Family
Race and ethnic differences
Religious differences
Gender
Social and economic differences (SES)
Sectional/regional differences
Media influences
Age
Historical events (e.g., Pearl Harbor, Vietnam, Watergate, September 11 and War on Terror)

4. Basic Ideology Disagreements
Is Human Nature…
Naturally good, cooperative, even perfectible?
Inherently flawed, evil, dangerous?
Is the Individual more important than the Whole or Collective?

5. Overview of Political Ideologies
I. Liberalism
II. Conservatism
III. Populism
IV. Libertarianism
Raphael’s
“The School of Athens”

6. Modern Liberalism Promote opportunity for all citizens
New Deal helped to expand the role of government.
Theory of government is to protect people’s well-being.
Need for a strong central government to “smooth out the rough edges of capitalism.”
Corporations seen as the chief threat to liberty.
Promote opportunity for all citizens
Favor using government to:
Reduce economic inequalities
Champion the rights of the disadvantaged
Tolerate a more diverse range of social behaviors
Finance social welfare programs with higher taxes on the rich

7. Modern Conservatives Generally …
distrust government
have greater faith in private enterprise and free markets
BUT…they are willing to use government to enforce traditional moral standards.
They favor a larger military and a more assertive pursuit of national self-interest.
Also advocate lower taxes to stimulate growth and to restrict the government’s capacity to finance social welfare programs.

8. VI. Populism The “average Joe” or “Jane”
Can be traced back to politicians trying to connecting to the common people
Today’s Populism
Conservative on social issues
Strong on family issues and a slower pace
Pro-Life issues
Prayer in school
Liberal on economic issues
Watch out for the “little guy” and his wages
Stand up to “corporate America”
Corporations should be monitored and closely watched
Government regulations are necessary

9. VII. Libertarianism Extreme emphasis on individual liberty.
Extreme cutback on role of government.
Look to Constitution and Bill of Rights
Liberal on social issues
Government should not be involved in social issues
No drug laws…
But…some pro-choice some pro-life
Conservative on economic issues
They essentially believe that government should only defend the nation.
Lower taxes
No public education
No need for much of bureaucracy

10. American’s Ideological Distributions

11. The Classic Political Spectrum

12. The Another Political Spectrum