Slide Deck 1B: Political Ideologies and the Political Spectrum

What is a political ideology? A political ideology is a set of shared ideas or beliefs about the role of government and how society should work.

Which do you think is better and why? Lower taxes, smaller government and less government services Higher taxes, larger government and more government services

Which statement do you believe more strongly and why? Society is not bound by tradition Traditions provide security and stability and must be respected

Common Political Ideologies Liberalism – Favours individual freedom but acknowledges the need for some form of government intervention in the economy. Conservatism – Advocates for the preservation of society and tradition and opposes radical changes. Socialism – Favours a political and economic system in which the ways of production, distribution and exchange are owned by the community collectively. Libertarianism – Advocates for minimal government intervention in the lives of citizens.

Other Ideologies Communism – Promotes the establishment of an egalitarian and classless society based on common ownership and control of the means of production and property. Fascism – Favours strict social and economical measures as a method of empowering the government and limiting the freedom of citizens.

What is the political spectrum? The political spectrum provides a way to characterize and distinguish between different beliefs, ideologies, political parties and policy ideas. A linear spectrum is represented as a horizontal line, with the left favouring social equality, government involvement and more social services, and the right favouring tradition, smaller government and lower taxes.

Political Spectrum Questions Do the benefits of oil pipelines outweigh the environmental concerns? Should the government spend more on our armed forces? Should wealthier people pay a larger proportion in taxes? Is income inequality a major concern?

Consolidation What people, events or experiences in your life do you think have most shaped your political perspective? Why is it healthy to question each other’s viewpoints? Why is it important to consider and respect the opinions of others?