POLITICAL IDEOLOGY

Political Ideology Definition  Consistent Set of Beliefs  Based on social, political and economic values  Role of Government  Moderates are the largest group

Political Spectrum Economic Self Government Social/Personal Self Government (Less government regulation of the economy) (Less government regulation on personal life and social affairs)

Paul Ryan—Chair of the Budget Committee

O’Reilly Factor—Newt Gingrich

Ron Paul Presidential Nominee

Questions for Review 1. Does liberalism champion “big government?” 2. Does conservatism champion “small government?” 3. Which political ideology champions “big government?” “Small government?” 4. Liberal socially and conservative economically= 5. Conservative socially and liberal economically= 6. “Right”; “Left”; centrist

Application 1. If a person is in favor of legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes and cutting taxes, then this person is likely to believe in which ideology? 2. If a person is in favor of establishing a minimum wage and believes in affirmative action programs, then this person is likely to believe in which ideology? 3. If a person is in favor of instituting the death penalty and maintaining privatized health care, then this person is likely to believe in which ideology? 4. If a person believes in increasing social welfare programs and banning same sex marriages, then this person is likely to believe in which political ideology?

Political Socialization—Role of the Family Role of Family 1. Young men and women identify with family political ideology—91% 2. 60% as people mature 3. Proportion of adamant Demo. or Rep. has declined since the 1950s—Why? 1952: 22% said they were adamant Demo. 1952: 13% said they were adamant Rep. 1976: Demo. 15% 1976: Rep. 9%

Political Dealignment Cause of Dealignment 1. Party leaders are weaker 2. Young electorate 3. Weak Party Leaders 4. More party members are crossing party lines; unclear message for electorate—disillusionment 5. Growth of independents and moderates 6. Campaign finance laws and Interest groups 7. Media coverage 8. Union Movement getting weaker 9. Religious Observance