The Political Spectrum

Would these leaders run a country the same way. Why or why not Would these leaders run a country the same way? Why or why not? What do you think influences them?

George W. Bush Hillary Clinton Jack Layton Joseph Stalin Would these leaders run a country the same way? Why or why not? What do you think influences them? Nelson Mandela Narendra Modi Mao Zedong Adolf Hitler

The Political Spectrum A broad range of varied but related ideas or objects, the individual features of which tend to overlap so as to form a continuous series or sequence: the spectrum of political beliefs Simply put, it is a line that shows where each parties political beliefs fall

The Political Spectrum Chart

Political Spectrum (linear version)

The Political Spectrum Activity Read the statements below and plot the number of each statement on the political spectrum line where it is best suited. A person who thinks that a murderer should be killed. A person who thinks that teachers should not hit the students. A person who is racist. A person who believes in a higher minimum wage. A person who thinks that the police should be able to listen to your phone calls. A person who thinks that we should not bring lots of immigrants to Canada. A person who thinks that the army should have better technology. A person who thinks that Canada should send money to poor countries. A person who thinks that a woman should stay home and be a mother. A person who believes that all big businesses should be owned by the government

The Political Spectrum Activity Read the statements below and plot the number of each statement on the political spectrum line where it is best suited. A person who thinks that a murderer should be killed. A person who thinks that teachers should not hit the students. A person who is racist. A person who believes in a higher minimum wage. A person who thinks that the police should be able to listen to your phone calls. A person who thinks that we should not bring lots of immigrants to Canada. A person who thinks that the army should have better technology. A person who thinks that Canada should send money to poor countries. A person who thinks that a woman should stay home and be a mother. A person who believes that all big businesses should be owned by the government 2 10 9 5 7 1 6 8 4 3

Communism System of social organization based on the holding of all property in common, actual ownership being ascribed to the community as a whole or to the state In other words, all property is owned by the country, not the individuals E.g. China

Socialism A theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole When the state owns capital, and land, and uses it to better the wealth of the people Seen as a transition step from Capitalism to Communism E.g. Sweden

Liberalism A political or social philosophy advocating the freedom of the individual, parliamentary systems of government, to assure unrestricted development in all spheres of human endeavor, and governmental guarantees of individual rights and civil liberties A government based on the idea that the individual should have rights and civil liberties that will not restrict their growth E.g. Canada

Conservatism A political philosophy advocating the preservation of the best of the established order in society and opposing radical change The idea that we keep traditions, and hold on to the past. If change is needed, it is done slowly, to keep order in society.

Fascism A governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism and often racism Government has total control and uses the military to enforce it Promotes strong ties to the country, even to the extent of promoting racism What is a good example of this?

Helpful way for you to remember… Creative  Students Learn Content Faster Communism Socialism Liberalism Conservatism Fascism

Where are YOU on the Political Spectrum? Fill out the questionnaire to see where you fit on the political spectrum.

Where are YOU on the Political Spectrum? Why do you think you fall into that category? What affected your views on each statement?