POLITICAL IDEOLOGY Political Ideology: A consistent set of views about the policies government should pursue (e.g. liberal vs. conservative)

Traditional Political Spectrum Conservatives tend to believe that there should be less government intervention in economic matters Liberals feel there should be less governmental regulation of social and political matters Moderates are opposed to extreme views and actions and include opinions of both liberals and conservatives 80% of Americans!!!

  Policy Tendencies: Liberal Conservative Democrats Republicans Pro-Choice Pro Life Higher taxes Lower Taxes More Government Services Fewer Govt. Services No Prayer in Public Schools Prayer in Pub. Schools Gun Control Right to Bear Arms Pro Same-Sex Marriage Anti Same-Sex Marriage Anti Death Penalty Pro Death Penalty Universal Healthcare Individual Responsibility Welfare Safety Net Individual Responsibility Regulation of Business Little Regulation of Business Minimum Wage Govt. out of the Job Market  

Liberal or Conservative? Government should not censor speech, press, media or the internet. Liberal Repeal laws prohibiting adult possession and use of drugs. Liberal Let people control their own retirement; privatize Social Security. Conservative    Replace government welfare with private charity. Conservative   Government regulation of business is necessary to protect the public interest Liberal Government regulation of business usually does more harm than good. Conservative Too much power is concentrated in the hands of a few large companies. Liberal Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and Conservative The government should help those in need even if it has to raise taxes. Liberal Government programs like welfare discourage people from working. Conservative