Ideology & the Scope of Government PUBLIC OPINION: Ideology & the Scope of Government

WHAT IS POLITICAL IDEOLOGY?? Consistent set of values and beliefs about the proper purpose and scope of government Political Theories Totalitarianism -- advocate unlimited power for the government to enable it to control all sectors of society Anarchism -- oppose government in all forms Political Labels in US Politics Liberal Conservative

LIBERAL V. CONSERVATIVE Liberals tend to favor a more active federal government for regulating business, supporting social welfare, and protecting minority rights, but also prefers less regulation of private social conduct. Also known as left wing Conservatives favor more limited and local government, less government regulation of markets, more social conformity to traditional norms and values, tougher policies toward criminals Also known as right wing

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS Liberals describe conservatives as reactionary, right-wing extremists Conservatives describe liberals as crack-pot, knee-jerk bleeding hearts

LIBERAL OR CONSERVATIVE Government should not censor speech, press, media or the internet. Repeal laws prohibiting adult possession and use of drugs. Let people control their own retirement; privatize Social Security. Replace government welfare with private charity. Government regulation of business is necessary to protect the public interest

LIBERAL OR CONSERVATIVE Government regulation of business usually does more harm than good. Too much power is concentrated in the hands of a few large companies. Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs. The government should help those in need even if it has to raise taxes. Government programs like welfare discourage people from working.

OTHER IDEOLOGIES Moderates are those who lie in between liberalism and conservatism Roughly 80% of all Americans fall into this category Libertarians are those who wish to maximize personal liberty on both economic and social issues Prefer a small, weak government that has little control over either the economy or the personal lives of citizens Radicals and reactionaries