What is a political ideology? Political Ideologies What is an ideology? -A way of thinking in relation to your values, beliefs and ideas What is a political ideology? -A closely organized system of beliefs, values, and ideas, forming the basis of a political philosophy
Political Ideologies Liberalism Conservatism Two Major Divisions of Political Ideologies Liberalism Conservatism Individual freedom is the most important political goal A tendency to support gradual rather than abrupt change Individuals must be allowed to develop without other individuals, gov’t or business interfering Policies of wealth accumulation, free market capitalism, free trade. Citizens are responsible for their own survival Supports citizens
Political Ideologies: Political Spectrum LIBERALISM CONSERVATISM CENTER LEFT WING RIGHT WING -Larger government -Smaller government -More social spending (humanistic) and higher taxes -Less social spending and taxes -Managed economics -Freer economic policy
Political Ideologies: Political Spectrum Communism Fascism Democracy LEFT WING CENTER RIGHT WING Socialism Authoritarianism Liberal Conservative
Communism -Common ownership of the means of production LEFT WING CENTER RIGHT WING -Absence of classes -Common ownership of the means of production -Progressive ideals & desire for change for the people -Totalitarian control over the economy and people
Fascism -Dictatorship -Centralized control of private enterprise LEFT WING CENTER RIGHT WING -Dictatorship -Centralized control of private enterprise Repression of all opposition -Extreme nationalism (devotion to your own nation) -Severe restriction of personal freedoms
Socialism -People own means of production -Absence of classes LEFT WING CENTER RIGHT WING Socialism -People own means of production -Absence of classes -Community controls property and the distribution of wealth -People first, then profits
Authoritarianism -Strictness -Obedience is strictly enforced LEFT WING CENTER RIGHT WING -Strictness -Obedience is strictly enforced -Restrictions on personal freedom -Often Fascist
Democracy -Freedom of speech and thought LEFT WING CENTER RIGHT WING -Freedom of speech and thought -Free and equal right of every person to participate -Competitive elections -Balance of personal and economic freedoms -Example: Liberal and Conservative parties