Expanding the Political Spectrum A lesson on ideology What is it we think government should do anyway? After completing this lesson, students will work on two additional assignments…. Practice with Identifying Ideologies Policy Proposals

Democrat Republican LEFT RIGHT Moderate Liberal Conservative

Extreme/Uncommon Ideologies Anarchy A political philosophy that advocates for the complete absence of government. Theocracy Governments that use a religion to rule its people Libertarian Support for minimal government control of both economic and social issues As long as it does not negatively effect anyone else, then people should be free to do as they please. The government should not be involved. Former Representative Ron Paul --Texas –unsuccessfully ran for president in 1988 as the Libertarian nominee. Senator Rand Paul –Kentucky

Extreme/Uncommon Ideologies Socialism Economic liberals favor a lot of government involvement in economic policymaking and regulation of business. Favor higher taxes especially on the wealthy  the 1% Programs assisting the poor such as Medicare, universal health care. Heavier regulation for businesses Democratic Socialists: Senator Bernie Sanders –Vermont Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez --NY

Contemporary Political Ideologies Democrat Republican LEFT RIGHT Moderate Liberal Conservative Contemporary Political Ideologies

Ideology Grid Economic Issues Social/Political Issues Govt. Control Liberal Authoritarian Most people will fit somewhere within the parameters of this circle. Economic Issues Libertarian Conservative Govt. Control Social/Political Issues Freedom

So, Where Do you fit? If you are like many Americans, you may tend to be more conservative on some issues and more liberal on others. The limitation of one spectrum is that this circumstance will generally place you in the middle, which is not necessarily an accurate reflection of your ideology. Remember, all of this discussion takes place with a base understanding and consensus on the social contract and modern “liberal” political thought. People on every point on the spectrum generally want what is best for the country—they just differ on how to achieve it.

Contemporary Political Ideologies Democrats/Liberals Republicans/Conservatives Recent President: Barack Obama Support for greater government control/regulation in economic matters More regulation of business, increased min wage, universal health care, increased gun control Less government control/regulation of individual matters Pro Choice, Pro Same Sex Marriage Constitutional Interpretation: Change as modern society evolves  Less Strict Recent President: George W. Bush Support for less government control/regulation in economic matters Less regulation of business, less dependence on government: Welfare, Medicare, Social Security Greater government control/regulation of individual matters Pro Life, “Traditional” Marriage, Less gun control Constitutional Interpretation: Remain constant through the years  More Strict

Individual v. Community Tradition vs. Change Favor change over status quo Favor tradition over change Liberal Conservative Rights of the Community are more important Rights of the Individual are more important Individual v. Community

Economic Ideology Democrats Republicans Role of Government Less Government influence Regulation inhibits business growth Taxes Necessary to fund certain public goods, but less things should be provided by the government, therefore less money needed to fund. What to do in a Recession: Stimulate economic growth at the business level and have it “trickle down” to consumers. ↓ Taxes to business they use money to stimulate their business & eventually hire more people ↓ Government spending as a way to control unnecessary spending. Less money needed, less money to take from people. Role of Government More Government influence More regulation to protect consumers Taxes Necessary to fund public goods What to do in a Recession: Provide direct aid to the people that need it. ↓Taxes to people most effected so that they can have more money to spend ↑ Government Spending to provide public assistance (Fixing roads)

Who Said It? “I worked my way up from poverty to become the successful business owner I am today. I get frustrated when I think that my tax money goes to support people who won’t help themselves. I think part of the blame belongs with the media – they promote all the wrong values.” Conservative “I really don’t care what other people do in their free time, as long as they don’t bother me. I sure don’t like it when the government tells me what to do with my money or in my own home – I’m certainly not going to turn around and do the same thing to my neighbors.” Libertarian “I really worry about the state of the world today. It seems like more and more kids are growing up in poverty and there’s no one there to help them. I think we need to do more toward providing healthcare and education programs for our young people.” Liberal

Why Does this Matter? Ideology allows us to categorize ourselves, to find like minded people. Identifies what you stand for, what is important to you. It affects your perceptions of government and its appropriate role in a society. As a result, it will affect how you act in the voting booth. Elections have consequences!