Definition: A body of ideas or views of the world that reflect the social needs, values, and ideas of an individual or group Political Spectrum Broad Agreements US ideologies: Liberal, Conservative, and Moderate
Define: Political view that favors the use of governmental power to promote individual liberties and social progress Social problems solved best with gov. involvement Democrats Example: spending more tax money on welfare programs
Definition: Favors traditional values and government staying out of the private affairs of citizens. Social problems are best solved by individuals Republicans Ex: Keep taxes low so people can spend their money on their problems
Definition: A person opposed to extreme views and whose political attitude is between that of a conservative and liberal. Outlook depends on the issue Republican, Democrat, Independent “Mushy Middle”
Definition: Extremely Conservative political views who favors changes to return to an earlier government or society Willing to use violence Many totalitarian dictatorships Fascists, National Socialism
Definition: Extremely liberal political views; favors widespread change to the current political and social order Willing to use violence Revolution Government provides for the collective good of the people Communist
“The first priority of the Government should be to do everything for everybody”
“I believe that you can think for yourself. I believe that you can spend you money better than the government can. I believe that everyone benefits from individual freedom and choice. And I believe that if these responsibilities”
“ Unless both sides win, no agreement can be permanent.”
Definition: An organization of citizens who wish to influence and control government by getting members elected to office Similar ideas shared by members Party gains control in government, party gets what the party wants
1. Parties point out the weaknesses in other parties and their candidates. 2. Parties recommend programs and laws that guide the actions of gov. 3. Parties keep members informed and help keep all citizens interested in their gov. 4. Parties ensure that public officials do a good job so voters will re-elect them. 5. Parties select candidates who run for election to public offices in the gov.
A multi axis model Organizes political ideologies on two levels Economic: Left to Right Social: Authoritarian to Libertarian
Economic Left: The economy should be run by a cooperative collective agency (state/commune) Right: The economy should be left to the individuals and organizations to make decisions Social Authoritarian: Authority and tradition should be obeyed Libertarian: personal freedom should be maximized
Who do you recognize? What does location mean?
Where do you fall on the political compass? Go to: and take the test! Click show graph on a separate page for printing and print. Please write or type(if time) your name and an explanation of your beliefs. Think back to the questions you were asked and your responses to them. You will not be judged on what you wrote. Please write two paragraphs. Identify which you were: Authoritarian Left, Authoritarian Right, Libertarian Left, or Libertarian Right Your first paragraph describe where you stand economically (left to right) Your second paragraph describes where you stand socially (libertarian to authoritarian).