Social 30-1 30-2: Lesson 2 What is Ideology? After this lesson you should be able to: Define beliefs and ideology Describe the purpose of Government. Identify problems with Ideology and Government Describe the function of government Evaluate the success of government

Belief & Ideology A belief is something that we firmly believe to be true, valuable, and desirable. Our set of beliefs can be called an ideology An ideology is a systematic set of beliefs that provides a group of people with a picture of the world that they believe to be true.

Ideologies may include: Assumptions about human nature and society ex. Man is generally good. Humans are happiest when they are free An interpretation of history. Ex. Karl Marx – human conflict a result of class struggle between rich and poor. An explanation of today and a vision for the future. Ex. Marx – eliminate class struggle for a better future -> utopia A way to achieve UTOPIA (the perfect world). Heroes, rituals, and sacred documents. Methods of gaining converts (new members).

Our values are based on our deeply held beliefs Various Beliefs = Various Ideologies

Talking Point: Do we need a Government? Originally, mankind had no formal government. People lived in small groups (generally families) in order to improve their Security, that is safety and freedom from worry. Extension questions: What are the problems with beliefs and ideologies? (What does a dog see? What does a Cat see? What is the problem?) If one government sets up in one Geographical areas what is going to happen elsewhere?

Philosophies of our Need for Government Thomas Hobbes (16th C.) -Man is naturally selfish and always wants a better life. -Man needs a stable gov’t to prevent anarchy (man is bad) -Gov’t must be backed by force (military) -Man surrenders individual rights to have a stable gov’t

John Locke (17th C.) -Man is by nature a good and moral being -Gov’t is needed to protect man’s rights and freedoms and to decide disputes (prevent violence) -Gov’t must be backed by the majority of those governed.

Jacques Rousseau (18th C.) -Man is neither bad nor good -Man becomes better than animals only by living in a society  society is more valued than the individual -Society needs gov’t in order to be protected and have freedom -Gov’t is backed by the common good -Good of society is enforced at the cost of individuals.

Government: 1. The administration of public policy by a political unit 2. The process of governing. Governing is the procedure used to control the actions or behavior of people by guiding or directing them. POLITICS Does this government do what it says it will? Are we happy with what government aims to provide? The process of reaching decisions An attempt by individuals and groups to protect and promote their security. The policies, goals, or affairs of a government or of the groups or parties involved in it.

Social 30/33: Lesson 2 POLITICAL SYSTEMS IDEOLOGY and Government After this lesson you should be able to: Define beliefs and ideology Describe the purpose of Government. Identify problems with Ideology and Government Describe the function of government Evaluate the success of government