Political Ideologies Economics Mr. Mizak

Political Ideology • Ideology: A comprehensive, integrated set of views about government and politics. A coherent set of ideas of on how people should live together A plan of action for applying these ideas

Our Ideology Comes from Political Socialization The process by which we are taught and develop our individual and collective political beliefs Factors Influencing Political Socialization Family Race and ethnic differences Religious differences Gender Social and economic differences (SES) Sectional/regional differences Media influences Age Historical events (e.g., Pearl Harbor, Vietnam, Watergate, September 11 and War on Terror)

Basic Ideology Disagreements Is Human Nature… Naturally good, cooperative, even perfectible? Inherently flawed, evil, dangerous? Is the Individual more important than the Whole or Collective?

Overview of Political Ideologies I. Liberalism II. Conservatism III. Populism IV. Libertarianism Raphael’s “The School of Athens”

Modern Liberalism Promote opportunity for all citizens New Deal helped to expand the role of government. Theory of government is to protect people’s well-being. Need for a strong central government to “smooth out the rough edges of capitalism.” Corporations seen as the chief threat to liberty. Promote opportunity for all citizens Favor using government to: Reduce economic inequalities Champion the rights of the disadvantaged Tolerate a more diverse range of social behaviors Finance social welfare programs with higher taxes on the rich

Modern Conservatives Generally … distrust government have greater faith in private enterprise and free markets BUT…they are willing to use government to enforce traditional moral standards. They favor a larger military and a more assertive pursuit of national self-interest. Also advocate lower taxes to stimulate growth and to restrict the government’s capacity to finance social welfare programs.

VI. Populism The “average Joe” or “Jane” Can be traced back to politicians trying to connecting to the common people Today’s Populism Conservative on social issues Strong on family issues and a slower pace Pro-Life issues Prayer in school Liberal on economic issues Watch out for the “little guy” and his wages Stand up to “corporate America” Corporations should be monitored and closely watched Government regulations are necessary

VII. Libertarianism Extreme emphasis on individual liberty. Extreme cutback on role of government. Look to Constitution and Bill of Rights Liberal on social issues Government should not be involved in social issues No drug laws… But…some pro-choice some pro-life Conservative on economic issues They essentially believe that government should only defend the nation. Lower taxes No public education No need for much of bureaucracy

American’s Ideological Distributions

The Classic Political Spectrum

The Another Political Spectrum