1. A Field of Applied Philosopy
Political Ideology
A Field of
Applied Philosopy

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. Political Ideologies A Sample
Anarchism
Communism
Conservatism
Fascism
Liberalism
Libertarianism
Socialism
Totalitarianism
More Narrow or Focused Ideologies
Feminism Environmentalism
Zionism

4. 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”

5. Not Accurate
Either
Liberal Or
Conservative

6. Ideology Continuum

7. Ideological Positions on Contemporary Issues ?
Far Left----Liberal----Centrist----Conservative----Far Right
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 recyclingtax when purchasing electronic equipment with a monitor screen?

8. Types of Issues that Tend to Divide Conservatives and Liberals
Taxes
Government regulation of economic activity
Government assistance to people in need
Selected social issues
Foreign affairs

9. A. Taxes The Principle Liberals Conservatives
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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. D. Selected Social Issues The Principle
Liberals Conservatives
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.

13. 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

14. Taxes 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?

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

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

17. D. Divisive Social Issues Examples
Abortion
Gun control
English only vs. Language diversity
Capital punishment
Immigration
Prayer and religious symbols in government activities
Gay & lesbian marriage
Multiculturalism
The Patriot Act

18. E. Foreign Affairs Examples
Use of war
How U.S. should work with other countries
The role of the United Nations
Immigration policies and practices
Foreign aid
NAFTA and other “free trade” agreements
Globalism and multinational corporations
World Trade Organization and the World Bank
Embargo against Cuba
Cultural exchange programs

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

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

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

23. Ideology Distribution of the US Population

24. So, how would you describe your personal political ideology ?
Where do you stand
on the
Liberal-Conservative continuum?