Describe or Draw a picture Liberal and a Conservative Warm-Up Describe or Draw a picture of what your idea is of a Liberal and a Conservative Looks like, acts like, believes, etc. Be as descriptive as possible

The Political Continuum We all want the same things in life. We want freedom, the chance for prosperity, as few people suffering as possible, healthy children, crime-free streets. The argument is how to achieve them…

Liberal vs. Conservative Democrat Left Wing Blue Republican Right Wing Red

Are you a Democrat or Republican? Take the Quiz and learn where you stand http://www.isidewith.com/ Are you surprised by your results?

Political Differences Democrats Republicans Prefer larger government, stricter regulations and more services to be provided by the government. More Involvement in healthcare  A loose interpretation of the Constitution.   Believe in government action to achieve equal opportunity and equality for all.  It is the duty of the government to relieve social problems, protect civil liberties and individual and human rights.  Believe the role of the government should be to guarantee that no one is in need. Emphasize the need for the government to solve problems. Prefer smaller government, less regulation, most services to be provided by private companies & individuals. Privatized healthcare A literal interpretation of the Constitution. Believe in personal responsibility, limited government, free markets, individual liberty, traditional American values and a strong national defense. Believe the role of government should be to provide people the freedom necessary to pursue their own goals. Emphasize empowerment of the individual to solve problems.

Economic Differences Democrats Republicans Government should tax more, spend more and provide more services. High-income earners should pay a larger percentage of their income as taxes. Government should tax less, spend less. Tax rates should not be higher for high income earners. Cut taxes more on businesses to increase revenue to build the economy.

Social Differences Republicans Democrats Not opposed to gay marriage, abortion and embryonic stem cell research. Oppose the right that everyone should be allowed to bear arms. Opposed to gay marriage, abortion and embryonic stem cell research. Support the right to bear arms.

Political Spectrum Work together as a class to place “political groups” left and right on the spectrum

Liberals to the left Conservatives to the Right Where do you fall? Liberals to the left Conservatives to the Right Does your opinion change if a third “group” is added? Conservative Liberal Moderate

Where do you fall? Have you changed your stance? Liberals to the left Conservatives to the Right Does your opinion change depending on whether it is a social or economic issue? Conservative Liberal

Most Government Involvement Least Government Involvement Social “Right” Most Government Involvement Economic “Right” Economic “Left” Least Government Involvement Social “Left”

Social Democrat Republican Not opposed to gay marriage, abortion, stem cell research Do not agree with freedoms involving gun (right to bear arms) Opposed to gay marriage, anti-abortion, anti-stem cell research Support the right to bear arms

Exit Out Do you think your opinion of left wing / right wing changes over time? Why?

Writing Prompt #1 – Are you a Liberal or a Conservative? Assignment Outline 20 points Your Name on the Upper Right My name, below your name Date, below my name Typed Double spaced 12-14 point font The follow must be included in your writing Declare It – tell me if you are Liberal, Conservative, or another Back that up – tell me why you side with that “political philosophy” Give a minimum of one example that you agree with Socially Economically