Political Ideologies & The Political Spectrum

Political Ideologies Definition: a set of beliefs that form the basis of a political system. 2

Political Spectrum RADICAL LIBERAL MODERATE CONSERVATIVE REACTIONARY

Liberal Reject violence or revolution → change should happen within existing political system MORE GOV’T ACTION to increase economic opportunities & remove economic unfairness (can be done by providing services to the needy and restricting some business practices) LESS GOV’T ACTION to control individual behavior such as abortion Liberal

Examples of Liberalism

Radical Radical Seeks drastic, rapid change in the basic structure of political, social &/or economic systems May use EXTREME methods – including violence & revolution – to bring change Usually “from the ground up”  uprisings of “the people” against the power

Examples of Radicalism

Conservative Conservative Usually cautious about pushing for new policies, especially if Gov’t activism required LESS GOV’T ACTION: Gov’t shouldn’t interfere in economic matters People shouldn’t rely on Gov’t to take care of their needs “The best gov’t governs least.” MORE GOV’T ACTION is OK to promote… “traditional family values” & morals “law & order” & public safety

Examples of Conservatives

Reactionary Reactionary May use EXTREME methods – such as control of citizens & repressive use of Gov’t power – to achieve goals GOAL: To create a nation the way it “should” be (according to the leaders!)

Examples of Reactionaries

Moderate Often hold a combination of both liberal & conservative views Usually tolerant of others’ views BUT don’t hold extreme views themselves Favor compromise, “go slow” or “wait-and-see” approaches to problems Moderate

Liberal or Conservative? How to tell… social & moral Issues • individual rights & personal choice/freedom • gov’t shouldn’t try to control individual behavior • promote “traditional family values” & morals • promote law & order, public safety economic issues • economic unfairness in society • gov’t should try to increase economic opportunities & promote economic fairness for all • economic freedom • gov’t shouldn’t interfere in economic matters • people shouldn’t rely on gov’t to take care of their needs