Political Spectrum A sarcastic illustration of the Spectrum

Political Spectrum The political Spectrum identifies the major opinions of each of the political parties. On each of the ends of the spectrum is the radical opinion, where the middle is more moderate, or in the middle. Below is a very basic political spectrum.

Unfortunately, America’s political spectrum is divided between 2 powerful political parties; the Democratic and Republican parties. You may already think you are sided with one party or candidate, but this survey will align your opinions on major topics, according to how important each topic is to you. Finish this survey and complete the Political Views assignment. We will cover each of the two major sides after. BXCghttps:// BXCg BBC- your side?

Democrats and Republicans= Neighbors

Majors Issues International Issues Domestic Issues Economic Issues Social Issues Foreign PolicyGun ControlBudget & EconomyEducation Homeland SecurityCrime Government Reform Health Care War & PeaceDrugsTax ReformAbortion Free TradeCivil RightsSocial SecurityFamilies&Children Immigration JobsWelfare & PovertyCorporations Energy & OilEnvironment Technology & Infras tructure Principles & Values There are several major issues that fall into the columns of International, domestic, economic and social issues. We will use these major issues to compare and contrast the different political opinions and groups.

Leftist beliefs Leftist groups tend to support social issues and social equality. They are concerned about issues of inequality and disadvantage. Leftists tend to support a broad range of socialist policies. Economics Strong government intervention in the economy and unions. Often considered socialist: share the wealth Domestic Policy Civil rights and equality are a major domestic issue for the left Environment Concerned with protecting the earth and preventing further global warming Pro-Choice Leftists tend to believe in a woman’s right to choose in reproductive issues Religion Usually atheist and anti-religion. Do not support causes based on religious beliefs.

Liberal Economics The government should regulate the economy to protect the public from greedy businesses Domestic Policy Civil rights and equality are paramount for the best social systems Environment Must find renewable sources of energy, especially since oil is running out and hurts the world Pro-Choice Women have the right to decide what happens to her body and the government should provide funding Gun rights Usually pushes for strict gun laws to limit the 2 nd Amendment Liberal groups tend to support government actions meant to support social and political change. They reject relying on traditional solutions.

Democratic Economics Mixed economy supporting safety nets for the poor and disadvantaged including minimum wage Domestic Policy Civil Rights and issues are important, but universal health care is vital for American Social success Environment Protect the world using political and economic sanctions. A carbon tax and expand renewable energy Pro-Choice Birth Control should be available to all women, but abortion should be ‘safe, legal and rare’- avoid abortion with education Gun rights Promotes gun control measure laws in urban party groups, but rural groups are divided Democrats tend to be immediately to the left of the middle on the political spectrum. They are one of the strongest 2 political parties in the US.

Moderate Independents Economics Domestic Policy Environment Pro-Choice Gun rights Moderate groups don’t advocate extreme left or right wing politics. They tend to have an opinion on all the issues but are more willing to compromise more than other left or right groups are. This is the FASTEST growing group. Differ based on the individual. The Moderates represent between 35-40% on average in each political survey poll. Compromise is ideal for most moderates.

Rightist Beliefs Economics Prefer Laissez-Faire economics that prevent government intervention or safety nets Domestic Policy Want to prevent excessive immigration and promote nationalism Environment Believe furthering the economy and maintaining growth is the most important Pro-Choice “family values” tend to be a buzz word for the right to describe support for “traditional” families and values Religion Want an officially recognized religion and government that follows Christian ideals Rightist groups oppose socialism and are often called conservatives. The right believes that social stratification and social inequality are natural in society.

Republican (GOP-Grand Old Party) Economics Free markets and individual effort promote economic prosperity. Free trade agreements are favored Domestic Policy Republicans tend to be against illegal immigration and want to prevent pathways to citizenship. In recent years, many republicans have eased up to gain more votes Environment Originally republicans supported conservation, but now the party labels conservation as a hindrance to economic growth Pro-Life Pro-Life and disagree with abortion by choice. Only rare instances of incest and risk to the mother are acceptable Gun rights Generally republicans support gun ownership rights and oppose restrictive gun rights The Republican party is one of two major political parties in the US. The Republican party tends to dominate politics across the nation and especially in the northern and rural areas.

Conservative Economics Want to reduce the federal budget by limiting social welfare programs Foreign Policy Foreign policy should be enforced through a strong military and nationalism Environment Resist efforts to place the environment over the economy Pro-Life Restricting abortion and pushing pro-life is mandatory based on traditional values and Christianity Gun rights The 2 nd amendment is the definitive answer for the gun rights issue, and maintains the freedom to own guns is paramount. Conservatives oppose change and advocate a pragmatic approach to political issues and agendas. Practical rationality is favored over ideological philosophy.

Tea Party The Tea Party was a relatively short lived but powerful political group for the 2012 election. The tea Party is extremely Conservative and takes its name from the Boston Tea Party which wanted to reduce government intervention. Major concerns of the party include: -reducing national debt -lower taxes -want to maintain foreign relations with military strength -opposes Obama Care -anti-union, pro- business

Political Cartoons Political cartoons are an easy way to examine current day issues and the ideology of different political groups. However, some political cartoons can be difficult to determine the meaning of. Your task is to identify several different political cartoons that demonstrate the political ideology of the republican, democratic, green, tea party, and independent parties. If you want more information on the varying sides and opinions, please review the following website for a basic understanding and differential between Left and right sides: