Political Spectrum

Definitions political spectrum- the image above, a line graph that shows how liberal or conservative you are political spectrum- the image above, a line graph that shows how liberal or conservative you are Liberal (3) - a person who wants the political system to change, the most extreme version of this is called a radical (1). Liberal (3) - a person who wants the political system to change, the most extreme version of this is called a radical (1).

Conservative (7)- a person who does not want the political system to change, the most extreme version of a conservative is called a reactionary (9). A reactionary actually wants to change things back to how they use to be in the ‘good old days.’ Conservative (7)- a person who does not want the political system to change, the most extreme version of a conservative is called a reactionary (9). A reactionary actually wants to change things back to how they use to be in the ‘good old days.’ Moderate (5)- a person who is not too extreme about wanting change. Rather they are in the middle on most issues. Moderate (5)- a person who is not too extreme about wanting change. Rather they are in the middle on most issues.

Synonyms Left=liberal Left=liberal Right=conservative Right=conservative Center=moderate Center=moderate

Republicans The conservative party of the two parties. Some of their main supporters are big business, white males, religious groups, and rural voters that favor smaller government, less taxes, and a strong military. The conservative party of the two parties. Some of their main supporters are big business, white males, religious groups, and rural voters that favor smaller government, less taxes, and a strong military.

Democrats The liberal party of the two parties. Some of their main supporters are working class people, ethnic minorities and urban voters that favor policies that support the ‘common person.’ In general, they believe in legislating the economy, but not personal values The liberal party of the two parties. Some of their main supporters are working class people, ethnic minorities and urban voters that favor policies that support the ‘common person.’ In general, they believe in legislating the economy, but not personal values

Application: Please read the four statements about health care and use these statements to answer the following questions. Speaker A ______________________ I am opposed to any further changes in the medical care system. It is okay to care for the elderly, but there is no need to expand coverage. Speaker B ______________________ Free medical care should be provided to all US citizens regardless of age. It is unbelievable that in such a wealthy country as the US that medical care is often given to only those who can afford it. Speaker C ______________________ Medical care for the old and poor in the US represents just another step toward socialism. The individual soon will be destroyed by the government creating a welfare state. Speaker D ______________________ There is a need in the US to extend free medical care to all children regardless of a parent’s income.

Answers 1 – B – D – A – C

2. Application: Please read the four statements about health care and use these statements to answer the following questions. Speaker A Conservative I am opposed to any further changes in the medical care system. It is okay to care for the elderly, but there is no need to expand coverage. Speaker B Radical Free medical care should be provided to all US citizens regardless of age. It is unbelievable that in such a wealthy country as the US that medical care is often given to only those who can afford it. Speaker C Reactionary Medical care for the old and poor in the US represents just another step toward socialism. The individual soon will be destroyed by the government creating a welfare state. Speaker D Liberal There is a need in the US to extend free medical care to all children regardless of a parent’s income.

3C 3C

4D 4D

5B/D 5B/D

6C 6C

7 C 7 C

Where do these people ‘fit’ on the political spectrum? Please look at the spectrum at the start of the paper and select a number 1-9 for these people. ___ President Obama ___ President George W. Bush ___ Governor Rick Scott ___ Yourself ___ President Obama ___ President George W. Bush ___ Governor Rick Scott ___ Yourself

IssueDemocratsRepublicans Abortion Capital punishment Gun control Defense spending Welfare Legalization of drugs Women’s rights Gay marriage Sex education Prayer in schools

IssueDemocratsRepublicans AbortionPro-choicePro-Life Capital punishment AgainstFor Gun controlForAgainst Defense spendingDecreaseIncrease WelfareExpandDecrease Legalization of drugs More likely to consider“War on Drugs” Women’s rightsModern gender roles promoted, men & women do the same things Traditional Roles more promoted Gay marriageForAgainst Sex educationBirth controlAbstinence Prayer in schoolsLimit religion’s role in societyExpand religion’s role in society

Vocabulary

Civil Liberties The legal area that revolves around the basic right to be free from unequal treatment based on certain protected characteristics in settings such as employment and housing. The legal area that revolves around the basic right to be free from unequal treatment based on certain protected characteristics in settings such as employment and housing. –race –Gender –religion –disability Civil Rights Concern basic rights and freedoms that are guaranteed -- either explicitly identified in the Bill of Rights and the Constitution, or interpreted through the years by courts and lawmakers. Concern basic rights and freedoms that are guaranteed -- either explicitly identified in the Bill of Rights and the Constitution, or interpreted through the years by courts and lawmakers. –Freedom of speech –The right to privacy –The right to be free from unreasonable searches of your home –The right to a fair court trial