The Political Spectrum

Presentation Outline Intro and History of Left v. Right Wing What are the beliefs of the Left/Right? A. Social Values B. Economic Values What is your political orientation?

The Left vs. the Right What do people mean when they talk about “left wing” (liberal) or “right wing” (conservative) politics? How are liberals’ beliefs and values different from conservatives’? What political parties in Canada are more liberal? More conservative? Overall, do you think you are more of a liberal or conservative?

The History behind “Left” and “Right” These terms come from the Estates General during the French Revolution when liberal representatives from the commoners (Third Estate) sat to the left of the president's chair. The nobility (Second Estate) generally sat to the right. Generally, the commoners wanted to change things and the Nobility wanted to preserve the status quo. So “left wing” became associated with the politics of change and “right wing” became associated with the politics of keeping things how they are.

Overview of “The Left” More liberal Generally support change in order to improve welfare of all citizens Government should play a larger role in people's lives (social services, benefits) Law and order are important but their purpose is to protect rights of all citizens fairly and equally More rights for individuals and less power for the police / military

Overview of “The Right” More conservative Tradition is important and change should be treated with caution Government should play a small role Private business should ensure needs of citizens are met Emphasis of law and order to protect society and its traditions Less freedom to individuals and more power to police

What are the values and beliefs of the “Left” and the “Right”? THE RIGHT… Tends to value “social responsibility” A. Social Values THE LEFT… tends to value “social freedom”

Which side would liberal and conservative position be on: Skittles and Bandit, opposite ends of the spectrum

Access to Abortions?

Euthanasia?

Gay Marriage?

Increased Government Spending on Jails?

Write a thesis statement which sums up how liberals and conservatives generally differ on social issues.

B. What are the ECONOMIC values and beliefs of the “Left” and the “Right”? RIGHTIST VALUES “Economic freedom” e.g. ~ spend less on social programs ~ less government involve- ment in the economy (“laissez faire”) ~ lower taxes ~ accepts the inequality which capitalism causes LEFTIST VALUES “Economic equality” e.g. ~ spend more on social programs ~ more government involve- ment in the economy ~ higher taxes ~ fights against inequality which capitalism causes

The Political Spectrum ----------------------------------------------------------- Left Centre Right 1. A person who believes that convicted murderers should be hanged. 2. A person who believes that the school strap should be abolished.   3. A person who believes in a higher minimum wage. 4. A person who believes that the police should be able to wiretap telephones. 5. A person who believes that Canada should restrict immigration. 6. A person who believes that the Canadian military should buy more sophisticated weapons. 7. A person who believes that all major industries should be owned by the state.

Your political position Write a paragraph in which you explain where you would be on the political spectrum – left, centre or right. Give specific reasons and details for your position.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Left Centre Right COMMUNISM FASCISM SOCIALISM CONSERVATIVISM LIBERALISM CAPITALISM NDP LIBERALS CONSERVATIVES