Ideology and the Scope of Government Political Ideology is a consistent set of values and beliefs about the proper purpose and scope of government How far should government go to maintain order, provide public goods/services, and promote equality?

Two Dilemmas of Government The original dilemma of government involves freedom versus order. The modern dilemma of government involves freedom versus equality.

Importance of Order and Freedom World Values Survey 1999-2001

http://www.freedomhouse.org/template.cfm?page=363&year=2010

Ideology and the Scope of Government Where is the USA in regards to Political and Economic Theories?

Political Theories Totalitarianism = govt. should have unlimited power to control all sectors of society (business, labor, arts, sports) Liberalism =govt. should leave individuals free to follow their own pursuits (but allows some limited regulation by government) Libertarianism =opposed to all govt. action except as needed to protect life and property Anarchism =opposes govt. in any form; values freedom above all else

Economic Theories Socialism = the central govt. plays a strong role in regulating existing private industry and directing the economy and allows some private ownership Democratic Socialism is most common today in Europe Capitalism = the govt. favors free enterprise (privately owned businesses) to operate the marketplace/economy Laissez Faire =govt. should not intervene in the marketplace/economy Communism = involves a theory that gives ownership of all land and productive facilities to the people; the government (or the “state”)

Capitalism v. Socialism Equality of opportunity is the concern of capitalism: 1. Everyone should have an equal chance 2. Equality of outcome is believed to be impossible Equality of outcome is the concern of socialism: 1. People should be as equal as possible in a) Income b) Education c) Occupational status 2. Equality of opportunity is believed to be impossible

Political Labels in the USA Liberal = willing to use government to promote freedom but not order Conservative = willing to use government to promote order but not equality

Liberal* in USA Conservative* in USA -wants a more -wants govt to limit activist govt. itself at all levels -looks to govt. to -wants less govt. solve problems control -wants change in -keep the status policy rather than quo than change policy status quo -stresses individual -passion for helping responsibility and disadvantaged and freedom in markets unorganized -supports laws for -supports freedom on control on moral or moral or personal choice issues personal choice issues ***in most cases***

http://idealog.org/en/index