1. THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM
WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?

2. ARE YOU LEFT, RIGHT OR MODERATE?

3. LEFT OF MODERATE Liberal – (Left)
Government should play a big role in “social reform” and well-being.
Focus on issues such as poverty, education, and environment
Favor change; sometimes called “progressive”
Democrats

4. RIGHT OF MODERATE Conservative (Right Wing)
Government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses.
Exception: Moral issues/”family values”
Example: Abortion, Gay Marriage
Favor status quo
Resistant to change
Want to work within system
Republicans

5. Example: Independent, Undeclared
MODERATE
Moderate (Middle)
Opinions fall between left and right
Tolerant of multiple view points
Not extreme about issues
Example: Independent, Undeclared

6. Far Left Radical (Far Left)… Favor fundamental changes
Want to reverse the domination of the wealthy over poor
Often support highly centralized government
Want a total overhaul of the system
Example: Communist

7. Far Right Reactionary (Far Right)
Advocate return to a historical system.
Very traditional views on who should have power.
Often very religious, moralistic and/or ideological.
Will use extreme measures (such as violence) to reinforce laws power.
Examples: Dictatorships, Absolute Monarchies, Oligarchies (e.g. Taliban)

9. TAKE A MOMENT TO APPLY THIS NEW IDEA…
Imagine that your house is a country and your parents are the leaders. What type of leaders are they?
Radical
Liberal
Moderate
Conservative
Reactionary
Explain your choice in one sentence. Then… share your response with a neighbor.

10.  LIBERAL CONSERVATIVE CHANGE TRADITION  PROBLEMS CIRCUMSTANTIAL
PROBLEMS ARE INDIVIDUAL
GOV’T RESPONSIBLE FOR CHANGE
GOVERNMENT SHOULD GET OUT OF THE WAY
EQUALITY AND FAIRNESS!
PERSONAL FREEDOMS, ESPECIALLY ECONOMIC
HUMAN RIGHTS
PROPERTY RIGHTS
VALUES ARE “RELATIVE”
MORAL ABSOLUTES

11. Where do you stand on the issues?
For each of the following issues, explain whether you are on the “left” or the “right.”

12. MORALITY/IDEOLOGIES…
CHANGE
PRO-CHOICE
GAY MARRIAGE
FREEDOM OF SPEECH AT ALL COSTS
TRADITION
PRO-LIFE
HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGE ONLY, “FAMILY VALUES”
FREEDOM OF SPEECH WITH LIMITS

13. PROBLEMS IN SOCIETY CIRCUMSTANTIAL INDIVIDUAL WELFARE PROGRAMS
HEALTH CARE FOR EVERYONE
DRUG REHABILITATION PROGRAMS
INDIVIDUAL
LIMITS ON WELFARE
PRIVATE HEALTH CARE
TOUGH ON CRIME

14. ROLE OF GOVERNMENT GOV’T RESPONSIBLE FOR SOCIAL REFORM
MORE EDUCATION FUNDING
ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FOR POOR AND MINORITIES
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
GOV’T SHOULD BE LESS INVOLVED
SCHOOL CHOICE PROGRAMS AND CHARTER SCHOOLS
ENCOURAGE CHARITY AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
DE-REGULATION

15. RIGHTS HUMAN RIGHTS PROPERTY RIGHTS ENVIRONMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
CRIME PREVENTION AND REHIBILITATION
PROPERTY RIGHTS
PRO-BUSINESS
TAX CUTS
TOUGH ON CRIME; DEATH PENALTY