The political spectrum

Where do you fall on the political spectrum How to calculate your score: Number of “Strongly Agrees” _____ x 5 = ______ Number of “Partially Agrees” _____ x 3 = ______ Number of “Partially Disagrees” _____ x 2 = ______ Number of “Strongly Disagrees” _____ x 0 = ______ 100 75 50 25 0 Left Wing Centrist Moderate Right Wing Our activity has shown you where you political beliefs may fall, but what does this mean? First we will see where major political ideologies fall on the spectrum (next slide).

Left Wing Centrist Moderate Right Supports change & new solutions to problems. Believes in balancing tradition with change & applying old & new solutions to problems. Values tradition & views change with caution Government should be heavily involved managing the economy Government should interfere in the economy only where it benefits citizens Government should play a limited role in the economy Law & order should protect the rights of all citizens fairly & equally; criminals should be rehabilitated Law & order should protect the rights of individuals. Law & order should protect society; supports tougher penalties for criminals Government should play a large role in society & provide social services Government should only interfere in society where it would improve the lives of citizens Government should play a limited role in society; private businesses should meet the needs of citizens NO NEED TO WRITE THIS DOWN. A SUMMARY IS ON P. 255 IN YOUR TEXTBOOK AND YOUR HANDOUT IS SIMILAR. Left wingers often supports higher taxes in exchange for better social services while right wingers typically want lower taxes, balanced budgets and privatization of most social services.

Where do Canada's political parties belong? Conservative Party Of Canada: Balancing the budget while maintaining social programs Supports free enterprise, free trade, equality & individual freedoms Liberal Party of Canada: Favours the expansion of social programs (e.g. healthcare, education) Believes in multiculturalism & free trade New Democratic Party of Canada: Against privatization of Crown corporations and thinks government should intervene in some areas of the economy Favours welfare measures (e.g. unemployment insurance) & social programs Believes in the equality of all Canadians Green Party of Canada: A “single issue” party focussed on environmental issues Trying to develop a wider platform in order to gain seats in the HOC Favours a “green shift” in econ/taxation; wants to legalize & tax marijuana Bloc Quebecois: Believes Quebec should be sovereign from Canada BC Parties: Provincial parties may or may not be affiliated with federal parties In BC, for example, the Liberals aren’t affiliated with the federal Liberals anymore and are more right of centre with values more similar to federal Conservatives. BC NDP & Greens are affiliated with the feds, but policies are not as far to the left.