Where are you on the Spectrum? Political Ideologies Where are you on the Spectrum?

A B C D E

Left Wing v. Right Wing value tradition, they are about equity, survival of the fittest, and they believe in economic freedom. believe that business shouldn’t be regulated, and that we should all look after ourselves. believe they shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s education or health service. They believe in freedom to succeed over equality. are usually progressive in nature, aim to support those who cannot support themselves, and believe in equality. believe in taxation to redistribute opportunity and wealth - things like a national health service, and employment insurance. They believe in equality over the freedom to fail.

Democracy(the rational, middle ground) government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives (eg. Canada, Japan) government by the people or by their elected representatives the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them

Totalitarianism (the extremes) a form of government in which the political authority exercises absolute and centralized control over all aspects of life (eg. Nazi Germany, Communist China) a centralized government that does not tolerate parties of differing opinion and that exercises dictatorial control over many aspects of life

Democracy Totalitarianism Totalitarianism A B C D E

Communism A political theory invented by Karl Marx and Fredrich Engels which favors a classless society where there are no rich or poor This ideology does not believe in private ownership or property – everything should be shared/communal Ideally, there would be no leader and people would work together Society would be made up of a community of workers called the proletariat who have overthrown the elite rich class through revolution

Democracy Communism Totalitarianism A B C D E

Fascism A political theory that supports an  “authoritarian” leader that has absolute powers (dictator) Governments are often extremely nationalistic, imperialistic and propaganda is common Often very supportive of traditional gender roles  Believes in a very strong military, and total control over media, education, etc. 

Democracy Communism Fascism A B C D E

Socialism A political ideology that supports universal social services such as healthcare, education, etc.  Government control over the means of productions will allow for a more equitable distribution of wealth Strong support for labour unions and workers rights 

Communism Socialism Fascism A B C D E

Conservativism A political orientation that supports minimal government in business affairs – “hands-off or laissez-faire” politics This theory opposes radical change, sometimes supports initiatives that are seen as “traditional” or “family values” Historically not supportive of labour unions; often very supportive of a strong military

Communism Socialism Conservatism Fascism A B C D E

Liberalism “The middle ground” An ideology that favors social progress by reform and by changing laws and not by revolution Advocates free enterprise (business) and an open market, but will support social services if they are in the best interests of the people

Communism Socialism Liberalism Conservatism Fascism A B C D E

Where am I? Homework! Go to www.politicalcompass.org Take 20 minutes to complete the quiz. Email me your “horizontal axis” results bmcelroy@summer.com