1. Perspectives on Government
Political Ideology:
Perspectives on Government

2. Liberals on the Economy
Economic issues = government should take action; “level the playing field”
In favor of environmental regulations
Tougher worker protections
Progressive income tax
More corporate taxes
Feel that government should provide for economic opportunities
Support increasing the minimum wage

3. Liberals on lifestyles and personal rights
Oppose restrictions on free speech/press
Strong supporters of privacy even for those accused of crimes
Due process rights
Pro-choicePro-gay rights and gay marriage
Opposed to the death penalty

4. Conservatives on the Economy
Less government is better
“laissez faire” economics
Feel that government regulations hurt business
Less restrictive environmental policies
Lower taxes and less regulation
Raising the minimum wage hurts small businesses

5. Conservatives on lifestyles and personal rights
Support some limitations on free speech
Willing to limit criminal rights especially privacy
Willing to give the police more authority to search individuals accused of crimes
Pro-life
Opposed to gay marriage and an expansion of gay rights
Strong supporters of the death penalty

6. Libertarians on the Economy
Agree with conservatives that less government is better
Little to no regulations on the private sector
Let private business handle most things in society
Small, very limited government

7. Libertarians on lifestyles and personal rights
Agree with liberals in this area
Don’t want censorship
Don’t want government telling people who they can or can’t marry
Typically, they are pro-choice
Strong supporters of privacy rights
Bottom line = Less government in all aspects

8. Communitarians
Tend to agree with liberals on economic issues, but they tend to agree with conservatives on social issues
Government should act out of a sense of morality
Do what’s best for the common good
Oftentimes, communitarians have a difficult time voting