Perspectives on Government Political Ideology: Perspectives on Government

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

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

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

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

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

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

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