1. Micro Political Spectrum

2. What is a Micro Political Spectrum? Micro means that we will be looking at the smaller picture. In this case the range of political thought that is found in the United States.

3. The Micro Political Spectrum RadicalLiberalModerateConservativeReactionary

4. Before looking at our divisions…… We have to look at things that make us the same

6. What Makes Us “American”? 1)Belief in Democracy 2)Belief in Individual Liberty 3)Belief in Equality of Opportunity 4)Belief in Community Service

7. Conservative (Micro) ModerateConservativeReactionary The Republican Party Less Government Involvement in the Economy. The markets have built in tools that allow it to regulate itself. Government involvement brings waste and inefficiency. Lower Tax Rates The more money placed in the hands of the people allow them to invest that money or consume goods and services which leads to job creation. Regulate Inflation One of the biggest dangers to the economy is inflation (weakening value of money). Government should regulate the money supply to keep it in check. Government’s Role in the Economy is to Create Favorable Conditions So That Businesses Can Grow and Thrive. Economic PolicyForeign Policy Unilateralism Republicans tend to place less emphasis and trust in international organizations (United Nations, The World Bank, etc) and their effectiveness in helping solve global problems Social Policy Orthodoxy Belief that there are certain, unchangeable values that should guide our moral behavior and principles. Most often, although not always, these are rooted in Judeo-Christian ethics.. Benefit Programs Create Dependency Government programs designed to aid people can serve as a way to make them dependent on the government rather than independent and able to fend for themselves.

8. Liberal (Micro) RadicalLiberalModerate The Democratic Party Government Involvement in the Economy. Government can serve as a force to help regulate the often volatile economic cycles that can impact us. In addition Government must regulate industries to protect the environment and consumer/worker safety. Increased Tax Rates on the Wealthy In order to maintain a safety net for our nation and to help pay down the deficit. Unemployment One of the biggest dangers to the economy is high unemployment rates. The Government should enact policies that help Americans get back to work and back into the economy Government’s Role in the Economy is to Create Favorable Conditions So That Businesses Can Grow and Thrive. Economic PolicyForeign Policy Bilateralism Democrats tend to place more emphasis and trust in international organizations (United Nations, The World Bank, etc) and their effectiveness in helping solve global problems Social Policy Progressive Morality can change over long time periods as the needs and functions of society change. There is no universal value system for everybody. Benefit Programs Provide a Safety Net Government programs are needed to help those members of society who cannot help themselves.

9. What About The Others? ModeratesRadicalsReactionary Basically any individual who believes they do not strongly identify with the beliefs of any of the major two parties. An individual who wishes to change the government in such a way that they will act outside the system (violence) to do so. Radicals want to create a system never seen before (E.L.F.) An individual who wishes to change the government in such a way that they will act outside the system (violence) to do so. Radicals want to create a system we once had (KKK)

10. The Micro Political Spectrum RadicalLiberalModerate ConservativeReactionary Democrats Republicans As we move from left to right on the scale what vaule increases? As we move from right to left on the scale what value increases? Liberty Equality Liberty