1. 1 Political Ideologies A Primer HCOM 266 Joe Larkin

2. 2 What is Political Ideology? Political Ideology refers to a set of values, beliefs, opinions, assumptions, and attitudes about how society should be organized and operated. It tends to focus on the responsibilities and powers that the government should or should not have, and on the freedoms that individuals, groups, or companies should or should not have.

3. 3 Why does Ideology Matter? Ideology guides how people Interpret current issues and events Frame arguments for their positions Vote Engage in political action to promote their goals

4. What is your ideology? 4

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6. 6 Names for Political Ideologies While many kinds of labels are used for different ideologies, most commonly we name the alternative ideologies as “Liberal” or “Conservative”

7. 7 But, it is not accurate to think of Liberal and Conservative ideologies as two discrete or separate boxes. Either Liberal Or Conservative

8. 8 Ideology Continuum

9. 9 Ideological Positions on Contemporary Issues ? There are a gazillion issues …. Should the government set a minimum wage that workers must be paid? Should the Government help senior citizens pay for prescription drugs? Should oil companies be allowed to drill for oil in the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge? Should the US create a guest worker program for immigrant workers? Should public schools be allowed to hold moments of silent prayer? Should consumers pay a recycling tax when purchasing electronic equipment with a monitor screen? Far Left----Liberal----Centrist----Conservative----Far Right

10. 10 Types of Issues that Tend to Divide Conservatives and Liberals A. Taxes B. Government regulation of economic activity C. Government assistance to people in need D. Selected social issues E. Foreign affairs

11. A. Taxes The Principle Liberals Tend to be willing to increase taxes to support programs and services they think are important. Conservatives Tend to be against raising taxes and for eliminating existing taxes. 11

12. A. Taxes Examples Should the wealthy be given a tax reduction? Should the car registration fee be lowered in this time of economic crisis? Should the sales tax be increased from 8.75% to 9.00% to put more cops on the streets in Salinas? Should taxes be raised in order to insure that all eligible students can attend a CSU campus? Should the number of low-income children provided health care be reduced in order to lower taxes? 12

13. B. Government Regulations The Principle Liberals Tend to be more supportive of government regulations in order to achieve conditions that they think are desirable. Conservatives Tend to oppose government regulations, to support freedom for businesses, and to accept the conditions that result from free business choices. 13

14. 14 B.Government Regulation of Business Examples 1. Requiring time-and-a-half for overtime work? 2. Setting a minimum wage? 3. Establishing workplace health and safety standards? 4. Requiring environmental impact reporting? 5. Enforcing truth-in-advertising standards? 6. Preventing monopolies and unfair competition practices? 7. Monitoring business accounting procedures? 8. Requiring equal opportunities for disabled workers? 9. Demanding some contracts be awarded to female and minority companies? 10. Requiring agribusiness to negotiate contracts with farmworkers?

15. C. Services to Needy The Principle Liberals Tend to be more supportive of government programs and services for those in need of assistance. Conservatives Tend to be more supportive of individual responsibility, and to oppose government programs for those in need of assistance. 15

16. 16 C. Government Assistance to Those in Need Examples 1.Prescription drugs for the elderly ? 2.Grants and loans for college students? 3.Subsidized education for CSU students? 4.Daycare services? 5.Health insurance? 6.Education programs for underachieving students? 7.Job training programs? 8.Unemployment benefits? 9.Leaves from work for childbirth, family illness, work injury? 10.Foreign aid to countries experiencing starvation, health crises, natural disasters?

17. D. Selected Social Issues The Principle It is difficult to identify “principles” that distinguish liberals and conservatives on the divisive social issues. We simply need to learn where different ideology groups stand on the various issues. Liberals Conservatives 17

18. 18 D. Divisive Social Issues Examples 1.Abortion 2.Gun control 3.English only vs. Language diversity 4.Capital punishment 5.Immigration 6.Prayer and religious symbols in government activities 7.Gay & lesbian marriage 8.Multiculturalism 9.The Patriot Act

19. E. Foreign Affairs The Principle Liberals Tend to believe that: The US is only one of many nations The US should act with respect and collaboration toward other nations The US should not use money or military to force our will on other nations The US should respect and work within the UN Conservatives Tend to believe that: The US is the most important nation The US should exert pressure on and compete with other nations The US should do what it can to best serve its own interests The US should not feel constrained in any way by a feeble UN 19

20. 20 E. Foreign Affairs Examples 1.Use of war 2.How U.S. should work with other countries 3.The role of the United Nations 4.Immigration policies and practices 5.Foreign aid 6.NAFTA and other “free trade” agreements 7.Globalism and multinational corporations 8.World Trade Organization and the World Bank 9.Embargo against Cuba 10.Cultural exchange programs

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22. Ideology and Political Parties Far Left Liberal Moderate Conservative Far Right 22

23. Ideology and Political Parties Democrat Far Left Liberal Moderate Conservative Far Right Republican 23

24. Ideology and Political Parties Democrat Far Left Liberal Moderate Conservative Far Right Republican 24

25. Ideology and Political Parties Libertarian P & F Green Democratic Far Left Liberal Moderate Conservative Far Right Republican Am. Independent Libertarian 25

26. 26 Ideology Distribution of the US Population

27. Assignment on 10-30 27