Political Ideology and Labels

Political Ideology: An individual or group’s set of political beliefs While individuals have very specific and distinct political ideologies, people are forced to choose which political party or label “best” fits them Why is this the case?

What does your position mean? Traditionally, we have used a left-right spectrum to suggest where people stand on the issues: Right/Conservative Left/Liberal

Liberals Believe that people are born good. It is only when society lets them down that they turn on society. Equality is important Believe in a larger government. This larger government is made up of social programs to help those in need Believe that it is the responsibility of the government to take care of those who cannot help themselves Believe that change is good. Change is progress, and therefore is good. Believe in tolerance of alternative lifestyles. Liberals tend to—but not always—vote Democratic

Conservatives Believe that the priority of government should be social order through strict and harsh punishments Believe in less government. Government should regulate the lives of Americans less, not more Believe that it is the responsibility of family, churches, and charities to take care of those who cannot take care of themselves. It is not the government’s responsibility. Believe that change should be slow and well thought-out. Like to refer back to the way things used to be. Believe in traditional family values Conservatives tend to—but not always—vote Republican

Refining the Ideological Spectrum The Economic Spectrum Conservative: Economic conservatives favor limited government involvement in economic policymaking and regulation of business Liberal: Economic liberals favor broad government involvement in economic policy-making and regulation of business

The Social/Political Spectrum Liberal: Social and political liberals favor limited government regulation of individual behavior Conservative: Social and political conservatives favor broad government regulation of individual behavior

What did you notice happens to Liberals and Conservatives in our spectrum, based on the type of issue? Therefore, some call for a REFINING of the spectrum to include: moderates, totalitarians, libertarians

Moderates: Take a strong stance on few issues, preferring the middle position on most matters. They emphasize practical solutions to public issues Totalitarians: prefer government control over all areas of life. Promotes equality through regulation by the government (may be an individual or group of people) Libertarians: like personal choice in both social and economic matters. They believe that government’s only purpose is protect our life, liberty and property. They value personal responsibility and tolerance.

What does this mean for our two-party system? Where do MOST Americans find themselves on the spectrum?