The Political Spectrum

Benefits and Responsibilities in a community Police Protection Free Education Public Transportation Roads Healthcare Pay income tax Follow laws (don’t hurt others) Pay sales tax Pay property tax

City of Toronto Budget

City of Toronto Expenses

To raise taxes or not to raise taxes?

How do we categorize political opinion? The political spectrum is the standard Originating with revolutionary France, the spectrum puts all political opinions on a continuum, from right to left.

Benefits of the Spectrum Makes it easy to categorize and describe a person’s political position. Simplifies political debate. Makes comparisons between political parties easier.

The Extremes The spectrum is anchored and defined by its extreme ends: Extreme Left = Communism Government provides most services for its people. Focus on Equality. Example – USSR, China, Cuba.

EXTREME RIGHT = Fascism Enforces rules, laws and norms with extreme force. People live to serve the interests of the state. Private ownership and property. Example: Nazi Germany.

The RIGHT Side Conservative Policies Smaller, decentralized government Focus on values, traditional morals Religion is often highlighted Responsibility on the individual Property rights are vital Law and order

The Left Side Large, activist government Non-traditional values Focus on creating equality and helping the oppressed or under privileged Collective responsibility Equal opportunity Limited property rights

LEADERSHIP STYLES

Problems with the Spectrum?

Your turn! Where are you on the political spectrum?