1. Political Ideologies

2. Political ideologies have two dimensions:
1. Goals: How society should function or be organized.
2. Methods: The most appropriate way to achieve this goal.

3. What does it mean to be Conservative?
Favor a smaller, weaker, Federal government
Less taxes
Free trade
Strong defense
Favors Business over Environment
Traditional American values – Christian, Gun Rights
Favors U.S. Exceptionalism

4. What does it mean to be Liberal?
Believe that government has a responsibility to help those less fortunate = stronger/bigger federal government
More Government Regulations on Industry & Trade
Protecting/Defending civil liberties
Favors Environment over Business
Do not favor excessive military spending - more for diplomacy than military
For secularism – separation of church & state.
Pro Gun Control
Tends to be Critical of U.S.

5. Liberals vs. Conservatives Public Policy Issues
Healthcare:
Liberals believe in increasing government funding and control of healthcare.
Conservatives believe government involvement has driven up costs and believe in removing costly regulations and leaving it to private industry.
Abortion:
Liberals are generally pro-choice
Conservatives are generally pro-life

6. Liberals vs. Conservatives Public Policy Issues
Gun Rights:
Liberals believe in gun control laws
Conservatives believe in protecting
the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms
Economy:
Liberals tend to lean on government to solve the economic problems. They are willing to increase taxes to fund the increased programs they create.
Conservatives believe the individual/business is better suited to control and run their life. They push for less government programs & intervention to allow for tax cuts.

7. What does it mean to be Moderate?
Majority of Americans (appx. 80%) would fit in this group.
Many times they are also called Independents.
They do not feel strongly on most issues.
May hold viewpoints of both conservatives and liberals depending on the issue.

8. What does it mean to be Political Extremists?
Can be liberal or conservative
Us (the have nots) vs. Them (the elites)
Typically attacks the other side rather than creates solutions
Great distrust for the government/media elite
Convinced that average American and their way of life is in danger from “elites” who are together depicted as depriving (or attempting to deprive) the sovereign people of their rights, values, prosperity, identity and voice.

9. What does it mean to be Libertarian?
Fierce protector of individual rights from the government
Emphasizes individual liberty and a lack of governmental regulation and oversight both in matters of the economy ('free market') and in personal behavior where no one's rights are being violated or threatened.
Less Government the Better.

10. What People See Themselves As Depends Upon…
Their Parents’ Views - #1 Indicator
Whether they grew up in the city or small town
Religious Views
Current Issues (War, Economy, Immigration)
Region of the U.S. (North/South, West/ East, Midwest)
Level of Education

11. People Fall onto a Spectrum

12. The Political Map is Always Changing
See How it has over history at