Political Ideology, Parties, & Voters

Political Ideology

What is Political Ideology? Noun A set of beliefs that are shared by the members of a social group or that form the basis of a political system.

Liberal to Conservative Political Spectrum Liberal to Conservative

Factors that place you on the Political spectrum? How much CHANGE a person is willing to have within their society and government. How much GOVERNMENT involvement in the economy a person calls for. How much FREEDOM from government people are given to live their lives.

Far Left: Radical rapid change in the structure of the political, social, or economic system violence and revolution Picture: V.I. Lenin Mastermind of the Russian Revolution and Father of the Soviet Union

Liberal government should be actively involved in the promotion of social welfare of a nation’s citizens peaceful, gradual change within the system reject violent revolution Picture: Martin Luther King, Jr.

Moderate share viewpoints with both liberals and conservatives tolerant of other people’s views advocate a “go-slow” approach to social or political change Picture: Joe Lieberman Former US Senator and Vice Presidential Candidate

Conservative keep the status quo (don’t change things) cautious about adopting new policies less government there is, the better They agree with Jefferson’s view that “the best government governs least” Picture: Sen. Barry Goldwater (R-AZ) is widely regarded as the father of the modern conservative movement

Far Right: Reactionary “good ol’ days” extreme methods repressive use of government power to achieve goals Picture: Hitler’s Mein Kampf is a typical reactionary manifesto

Rex Tugwell, an advisor to president FDR, said that different attitudes toward change characterize different political philosophies. He wrote that if a community needed a new train station. _________ would like to rebuild the train station while the train is running; _________ prefer to blow up the train station and forgo service until the new structure is built. _________ would prefer to keep the old station, being satisfied with it, While, _________ would abandon the station entirely since they do not approve of trains in the first place.

Rex Tugwell, an advisor to president FDR, said that different attitudes toward change characterize different political philosophies. He wrote that if a community needed a new train station. LIBERAL would like to rebuild the train station while the train is running; RADICAL prefer to blow up the train station and forgo service until the new structure is built. CONSERVATIVE would prefer to keep the old station, being satisfied with it, While, REACTIONARY would abandon the station entirely since they do not approve of trains in the first place.

Political Ideology Where Does It Come From? Political Socialization

Sources of Ideology #1 Family Education Occupation Gender Media There is ALWAYS a strong correlation between mature adults and their parents. College students tend to be more liberal. Civil servants, union members, professionals = liberal Business professionals, farmers, non-union members = conservative Males = Conservative Females = Liberal Gender Gap – The difference between male and female opinion Only issue that does not show a gender gap: Abortion How the media “spins” or frames an issue EX: Pro-Life Pro-Choice

Sources of Ideology Religion Race African Americans Liberal White (non-Hispanic) Conservative Asian Hispanic (Mexican) Latino (Cuban)

Most Americans = MODERATE Politicians have to win over these Americans when running for election. This is the group that determines every presidential win/loss

What are political parties? What do political parties do? Ideology & Parties What are political parties? What do political parties do?