2-2: Political Ideology

Big Idea: Competing Policy-Making Interests Enduring Understanding: Widely held political ideologies shape policy debates and choices in American policies.

Learning Objectives: Explain how the ideologies of the two major parties shape policy debates. Explain how U.S. political culture (e.g. values, attitudes, and beliefs) influences the formation, goals, and implementation of public policy over time. Describe different political ideologies regarding the role of government in regulating the marketplace. Explain how political ideologies vary on the role of government in addressing social issues. Explain how different ideologies impact policy on social issues.

Overview Ideology More important to politicians Cohesive set of beliefs Politics Policy Role of government More important to politicians Only 20% of Americans tend to vote along ideological lines

Liberalism Strong government role in the economy Minimal government intervention in personal decisions Issues Social reform National health care Environmental protection Higher taxes on wealthy Less military intervention* Tend to be Democrats Appeal to minority groups

Moderate Ideology Most people think about policies instead of ideology Candidates try to shift their views to the middle “Swing voters” Split-ticket voting Tend to identify as independents All-time high claim themselves independent

Conservatism Minimal government role in economy Government regulation of social issues Idealize the “self-made man” Issues Lower taxes (supply-side economics) Expansion of military power Anti-gay marriage Pro-life Private sector dominance Tend to identify as Republicans

Libertarianism Minimal government involvement in all aspects of life Fully advocate individual freedom Issues Low taxes Privacy rights Legalization of drugs Opposition to military aggression Government should never initiate or threaten force on anybody Libertarian Party Most ideological libertarians tend to vote for the Republican or Democratic Party Rapid Libertarian Party growth among younger voters