Chapter 8 – Political Culture and Ideologies 12 th Grade POD – Ms. Nestico

Political Ideologies Ideology – a set or system of ideas, beliefs and values held by a collective group of people – “school of thought” Belief – an idea held to be true by a group Value – a belief about whether an idea is right or wrong Everything in life is “political”

Primary Ideologies in the US Ideology PartyWing Radical Libertarian Liberal Democrat Left Moderate Conservative Republican Right Populist Reactionary

Comparison & Contrast Both liberals and conservatives agree that the government should have a good bit of control and regulation, but in different areas Liberals want strong control/regulation over the economy Conservatives want strong regulation over social conduct

Economic Characteristics (Liberal focus) Money and the distribution of wealth Stock Market Corporations/Big Business Taxation Employment Trade/Investments Banking Industry Social Programs to help those in need

Social Conduct Characteristics (Conservative Focus) Censorship Morals and Values Drugs Pro-Business Oppose Higher Taxes Tough punishment for crime

Most popular US ideologies Liberal – strong control & regulation of economy Conservative – strong control & regulation of social conduct Libertarian – least amount of government control in both the social conduct & economic realms Populist – increased government control over both social & economic realms

In terms of Government Regulation & Control Libertarian 22% Conservative 30% Populist 20% Liberal 16% SOCIAL CONDUCT ECONOMICECONOMIC

Ideology Spectrum Moderate ConservativeReactionaryRadicalLiberal

Most interested in protecting individual rights and civil liberties Change is usually a good thing Anti-federalist roots Increase in social welfare programs More government intervention of the economy to remedy the defects of capitalism Can be socialistic in nature

Liberal Robinhood Theory – Redistribution of wealth Usually see an increase in taxes Believe in the positive use of government to bring about justice and equality of opportunity Seeks protection against inadequate healthcare, housing and education Believes in affirmative action programs, unions’ right to organize and strike, etc.

Conservative Most interested in what’s best for the greater good of society Free market economy Capitalistic – survival of the fittest, every man for himself Rich typically get richer Lower taxes overall and cut government spending

Conservative Functions of government should encourage family values, protect the nation from foreign enemies, preserve law and order Human needs should be cared for by families and charities, not the government

Radical Advocates extreme measures to change government policy

Radical Civil disobedience Texas v. Johnson Vietnam war demonstrations on college campuses

Reactionary Advocates extreme measures to conserve ideals and uphold ultra- conservative use of policies and government Exceptionally intolerant of others and their viewpoints

Reactionary More violent acts of civil disobedience Abortion clinic bombers White supremacy groups typically found here

Economic Policy Liberals Government should regulate business to protect public interest Rich should be taxed higher in order to pay for public services Government spending on social welfare programs increases Conservatives Free market economy Less amount of regulation brings about more competition Taxes should be kept as low as possible Government welfare programs destroy people’s incentive to work hard.

Policies on Crime Liberals Government should alleviate social problems such as poverty, unemployment, housing inadequacies, etc. as these are the preliminary reasons for crime Rehabilitate criminals to remedy the problem Conservatives Increase police forces, special task forces and prisons. Stop courts from coddling criminals Make punishment more harsh and strict to deter future crime

Social Policy Liberal Freedom of choice and government should fund it when necessary Protect minority rights, especially of African American, Hispanic/Latino, women, non-WASP, poor, etc.) Conservative Government chooses what’s best, not the individual Fend for yourself – survival of the fittest Should allow traditional observations in public policy

National Security Policy Liberal Government should support “human rights” throughout the world Reduce military spending Diplomacy instead of war Conservative Government should pursue national/international interests of the US Increase military spending War can stimulate the economy

The issues Economy Abortion Death Penalty

The Issues War in Iraq Education Energy

The Issues Drugs Healthcare Poverty

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