Ideology A set of beliefs A set of beliefs Might be political, religious or anything else that someone might have a set of opinions on Might be political, religious or anything else that someone might have a set of opinions on

“Right” vs. “Left” Where did this description come from? Where did this description come from? French Revolution Story French Revolution Story Which is Liberal and which is Conservative? Which is Liberal and which is Conservative? Left is Liberal and Right is Conservative Left is Liberal and Right is Conservative

Ideology and Political Parties Which party is Liberal and which is Conservative? Which party is Liberal and which is Conservative? Right is Republican and Left is Democrat Right is Republican and Left is Democrat Parties change ideology over time Parties change ideology over time Ex. the Republican Party (G.O.P.) used to be more liberal (Abraham Lincoln). Ex. the Republican Party (G.O.P.) used to be more liberal (Abraham Lincoln).

What Do Political Ideologies Disagree On? The Three big Questions The Three big Questions There is no “right” and “wrong”, there is only a difference of personal values There is no “right” and “wrong”, there is only a difference of personal values

Question #1 Are all people equal? Are all people equal? Very philosophical Very philosophical Depends on definition of equality Depends on definition of equality What is your viewpoint? What is your viewpoint?

Ideological Views Conservative Viewpoint: People are all different and, therefore, not equal but all should have equal opportunity Conservative Viewpoint: People are all different and, therefore, not equal but all should have equal opportunity Liberal Viewpoint: We are all human beings and, therefore, we are basically equal and should have some equality of condition. Liberal Viewpoint: We are all human beings and, therefore, we are basically equal and should have some equality of condition.

Question #2 Should government be big and active in our lives to promote equality? Should government be big and active in our lives to promote equality? Liberals say yes Liberals say yes Conservatives say no Conservatives say no How does govt. do this? How does govt. do this?

Programs for the Poor “Welfare” Programs “Welfare” Programs Medicaid Medicaid Minimum Wage Minimum Wage Unemployment Insurance Unemployment Insurance Are these good? Are these good?

Programs for the Elderly Medicare Medicare Assisted Living Assisted Living Social Security Social Security Are these good? Are these good?

Programs for Minorities Affirmative Action: Government programs that give additional consideration to minorities when hiring or admitting into state colleges and universities. Affirmative Action: Government programs that give additional consideration to minorities when hiring or admitting into state colleges and universities. Desegregation: Mixing whites and minorities in public schools to ensure an equal education Desegregation: Mixing whites and minorities in public schools to ensure an equal education Are these good? Are these good?

Question #3 Is Change Good? Is Change Good? The previously mentioned programs were all major changes. The previously mentioned programs were all major changes. Conservatives, by definition, tend to resist change, especially if it is a govt. program. Conservatives, by definition, tend to resist change, especially if it is a govt. program. Liberals tend to welcome change, particularly if it is brought about by the government to expand “equality.” Liberals tend to welcome change, particularly if it is brought about by the government to expand “equality.”

Social and Moral Change Issues Abortion Abortion Gay Rights Gay Rights Capital Punishment Capital Punishment Gun Control Gun Control Medical Marijuana Medical Marijuana Right to Die Right to Die

The Political Spectrum There are few purely liberal or purely conservative people There are few purely liberal or purely conservative people Each issue has an infinite spectrum of beliefs and each ideology has an infinite spectrum of beliefs Each issue has an infinite spectrum of beliefs and each ideology has an infinite spectrum of beliefs I call it “walking the wall”. I call it “walking the wall”. Example: Gay Rights Example: Gay Rights

Homework (about 1000 words) Considering the three major questions and the issues discussed, would you say that your are primarily conservative or liberal? Why? Considering the three major questions and the issues discussed, would you say that your are primarily conservative or liberal? Why? Your ideology will likely change as you get older and no one wants to label you but it’s time to face the issues so get off the fence and form an opinion Your ideology will likely change as you get older and no one wants to label you but it’s time to face the issues so get off the fence and form an opinion