Political Ideology Vocabulary Totalitarianism is an ideology reflecting the belief that government should have unlimited power and control over all sectors of society and individual behavior, such as business, labor, education, sports and the arts.

Socialism is an ideology which values equality over freedom and favors a strong government role in economic affairs. Under Socialism the government oftentimes directly owns basic industries that produce goods and services but also allows for private ownership of property and business. Democratic Socialism is an ideology practiced in some Western European nations which combines support for a large government role in economic affairs with a respect for basic civil liberties (e.g., voting rights; freedom of speech and religion).

Capitalism is an economic ideology that supports free enterprise and private business operating with limited government regulation. Communism is an economic ideology that favors direct government ownership of all land and productive resources. Communism asserts that government economic control is the means by which all property will be owned by all the people.

Libertarianism is an ideology that grudgingly recognizes the need for government and favors the view that laws should be limited to the absolute minimum necessary to protect life and property. Anarchism is an ideology that values freedom above all else and opposes all government in any form.

Liberal is the political label given to individuals who favor a large role for government in education, labor, and social programs as a means for promoting greater equality. Conservative is the political label given to individuals who value freedom over equality, favor the free enterprise system, and generally oppose government business regulations and social welfare programs.

Liberals vs. Conservatives Want generous government support for social programs. Support government activism, but oppose government regulation of abortion and sexuality. Are more tolerant of alternative lifestyles and would use government power to support equality. Want smaller government budgets and fewer government programs. Oppose government activism, but support government control of gay marriage. Want government power to maintain social order.