Conservatives v. Liberals Political Ideologies Conservatives v. Liberals

What is an ideology? 1. Ideology- a system of beliefs and ideals 1. Your own personal beliefs about the way things should be 2. Two main ideologies in the U.S. today: 1. Liberal - Usually support the Democrat Party 2. Conservative - Usually support the Republican Party

What’s the Difference? 1. The main disagreement between the two ideologies is the role of gov’t. Conservative- Less gov’t involvement in economy Lower taxes Gov’t enforcement of traditional values Anti-abortion, anti-gay marriage, etc State/local control Liberal- More gov’t involvement in economy Higher taxes Gov’t enforcement of progressive values Pro-abortion, pro-gay marriage, etc Central control

Liberal v. Conservative Ideologies Purpose of Gov’t C: Ensure basic rights; allow individual freedom L: Protect and assist individual, by intervention if needed The Individual C: Protect, but don’t interfere L: Gov’t and individuals are partners Economics C: Low taxes, minimal gov’t involvement in economy L: Higher taxes, some gov’t regulation of economy Foreign Relations C: Pursue our country’s best interests L: Cooperate closely with other countries and the U.N. Aid to the Poor C: Provide opportunities, but do not give handouts L: Directly help the poor and disadvantaged National Defense C: Strongly emphasized L: Not as strongly emphasized Taxes C: The less the better; allow the individual to use the money L: Private funds should be used to help all Criminal Punishment C: Punish offenders; emphasize victim rights L: Rehabilitate offenders; protect their rights

Voter tendencies Blue- Liberal Red- Conservative

Who is a Conservative? GENERALLY: Men White Protestants Business people Educated Live in rural areas Incomes over $75,000

Who is a Liberal? GENERALLY: Women Racial Minorities (especially African- Americans) Less educated People living in urban areas People with incomes under $75,000

Which are you? 1. A= L, B= C 2. A= L, B= C 3. A= L, B= C 4. A= L, B= C 5. A= C, B= L 6. A= L, B= C 7. A= C, B= L 8. A= L, B= C 9. A= C, B= L 10. A= L, B= C 11. A= L, B= C 12. A= L, B= C 13. A= C, B= L 14. A= C, B= L 15. A= C, B= L 16. A= L, B= C 17. A= C, B= L 18. A= L, B= C 19. A= C, B= L 20. A= L, B= C 21. A= L, B= C 22. A= C, B= L 23. A= L, B= C 24. A= C, B= L 25. A= L, B= C Add up your C’s and L’s!

Political Spectrum Activity 1. In groups of 2-4, discuss the statements on the cards. Do you agree or disagree with the statement? Who would be most likely to say it: a Liberal or a Conservative? 2.Read your card/s to the class and place them on the political spectrum on the board 3. Discuss the issues that came up in your group as a class.