1. Political Ideology
Notes

2. Ideology Defined
Ideology is a set of basic beliefs about life, culture, government, and society.
Politics – Process by which people decided which members of society get certain benefits or privileges and which do not
Struggle for power or influence within institutions or organizations (govt is an institution)
A political ideology provides the framework for looking at government and public policy.
Closely linked set of beliefs about politics

3. Ideology
Most Americans don’t follow a strict ideology, but rather decide their position on an issue by issue basis.
Inconsistency – Many people might favor lower taxes AND better schools and services.
Its never good to make generalizations about what a certain “group” thinks

4. Traditional political spectrum

5. Liberal – “Left-ist”
A person with liberal ideology believes that the national government should be active in helping individuals and communities and improving the welfare of individuals.
Respect civil/individual liberties/rights.
Every segment of society gets a fair deal.
Traditionally viewed as the group that favors change and new ideas
Govt should take action to reduce poverty and regulate the economy

6. Conservative – “Right-ist”
A conservative believes the role of government in society should be very limited.
Individuals should be responsible for their own well-being.
Government should not solve social problems, but private institutions should (they are more effective/efficient).
Traditionally viewed as the group that avoided change
Support for traditional values
Strong sense of patriotism

7. Moderates
Moderate’s opinions fall somewhere between liberal and conservative.
40% of Americans claim to be moderate.

8. Some Comparisons Death Penalty Defense/Military Spending Minimum Wage
Liberals – against it
Conservatives – for it
Defense/Military Spending
Liberals -- decrease or maintain amount
Conservatives – increase amount
Minimum Wage
Liberals – increase it
Conservative – lower or eliminate it

9. Radical – Far Left
Believe society exploits people and want to drastically change society in order to change it.
Example group – anarchists, Earth First

10. Reactionary – Far Right
Strongly conservative
Small minority of people
Solve society’s problems by going back to an earlier time or use religious based solutions

12. Libertarians Center-Right side of spectrum
Believe in a very small government whose role is limited to defense and resolving disputes
Do not want any gov. involvement in economics or society

13. Communism and Fascism Neither fit in the traditional spectrum
Communism – revolutionary variant of socialism that favors a dictatorship, govt control of all enterprise and a centrally planned economy
Facism – 20th c. ideology that exalts the national collective united behind an absolute ruler. Fascism rejects liberalism, glorifies war, and favors elitism.