1. Ideology and the Scope of Government
Political Ideology is a consistent set of values and beliefs about the proper purpose and scope of government
How far should government go to maintain order, provide public goods/services, and promote equality?

2. Two Dilemmas of Government
The original dilemma of government involves freedom versus order.
The modern dilemma of government involves freedom versus equality.

3. Importance of Order and Freedom
World Values Survey

5. Ideology and the Scope of Government
Where is the USA in regards to Political and Economic Theories?

6. Political Theories
Totalitarianism = govt. should have unlimited power to control all sectors of society (business, labor, arts, sports)
Liberalism =govt. should leave individuals free to follow their own pursuits (but allows some limited regulation by government)
Libertarianism =opposed to all govt. action except as needed to protect life and property
Anarchism =opposes govt. in any form; values freedom above all else

7. Economic Theories
Socialism = the central govt. plays a strong role in regulating existing private industry and directing the economy and allows some private ownership
Democratic Socialism is most common today in Europe
Capitalism = the govt. favors free enterprise (privately owned businesses) to operate the marketplace/economy
Laissez Faire =govt. should not intervene in the marketplace/economy
Communism = involves a theory that gives ownership of all land and productive facilities to the people; the government (or the “state”)

8. Capitalism v. Socialism
Equality of opportunity is the concern of capitalism:
1. Everyone should have an equal chance
2. Equality of outcome is believed to be impossible
Equality of outcome is the concern of socialism:
1. People should be as equal as possible in
a) Income
b) Education
c) Occupational status
2. Equality of opportunity is believed to be impossible

9. Political Labels in the USA
Liberal = willing to use government to promote freedom but not order
Conservative = willing to use government to promote order but not equality

10. Liberal* in USA Conservative* in USA
-wants a more -wants govt to limit activist govt itself at all levels
-looks to govt. to -wants less govt.
solve problems control
-wants change in -keep the status
policy rather than quo than change policy
status quo -stresses individual
-passion for helping responsibility and
disadvantaged and freedom in markets
unorganized -supports laws for
-supports freedom on control on moral or moral or personal choice issues
personal choice issues
***in most cases***