THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?

ARE YOU LEFT, RIGHT OR MODERATE?

LEFT OF MODERATE Liberal – (Left) Government should play a big role in “social reform” and well-being. Focus on issues such as poverty, education, and environment Favor change; sometimes called “progressive” Democrats

RIGHT OF MODERATE Conservative (Right Wing) Government should stay out of the lives of citizens and businesses. Exception: Moral issues/”family values” Example: Abortion, Gay Marriage Favor status quo Resistant to change Want to work within system Republicans

Example: Independent, Undeclared MODERATE Moderate (Middle) Opinions fall between left and right Tolerant of multiple view points Not extreme about issues Example: Independent, Undeclared

Far Left Radical (Far Left)… Favor fundamental changes Want to reverse the domination of the wealthy over poor Often support highly centralized government Want a total overhaul of the system Example: Communist

Far Right Reactionary (Far Right) Advocate return to a historical system. Very traditional views on who should have power. Often very religious, moralistic and/or ideological. Will use extreme measures (such as violence) to reinforce laws power. Examples: Dictatorships, Absolute Monarchies, Oligarchies (e.g. Taliban)

TAKE A MOMENT TO APPLY THIS NEW IDEA… Imagine that your house is a country and your parents are the leaders. What type of leaders are they? Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary Explain your choice in one sentence. Then… share your response with a neighbor.

 LIBERAL CONSERVATIVE CHANGE TRADITION  PROBLEMS CIRCUMSTANTIAL PROBLEMS ARE INDIVIDUAL GOV’T RESPONSIBLE FOR CHANGE GOVERNMENT SHOULD GET OUT OF THE WAY EQUALITY AND FAIRNESS! PERSONAL FREEDOMS, ESPECIALLY ECONOMIC HUMAN RIGHTS PROPERTY RIGHTS VALUES ARE “RELATIVE” MORAL ABSOLUTES

Where do you stand on the issues? For each of the following issues, explain whether you are on the “left” or the “right.”

MORALITY/IDEOLOGIES… CHANGE PRO-CHOICE GAY MARRIAGE FREEDOM OF SPEECH AT ALL COSTS TRADITION PRO-LIFE HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGE ONLY, “FAMILY VALUES” FREEDOM OF SPEECH WITH LIMITS

PROBLEMS IN SOCIETY CIRCUMSTANTIAL INDIVIDUAL WELFARE PROGRAMS HEALTH CARE FOR EVERYONE DRUG REHABILITATION PROGRAMS INDIVIDUAL LIMITS ON WELFARE PRIVATE HEALTH CARE TOUGH ON CRIME

ROLE OF GOVERNMENT GOV’T RESPONSIBLE FOR SOCIAL REFORM MORE EDUCATION FUNDING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FOR POOR AND MINORITIES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION GOV’T SHOULD BE LESS INVOLVED SCHOOL CHOICE PROGRAMS AND CHARTER SCHOOLS ENCOURAGE CHARITY AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY DE-REGULATION

RIGHTS HUMAN RIGHTS PROPERTY RIGHTS ENVIRONMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS CRIME PREVENTION AND REHIBILITATION PROPERTY RIGHTS PRO-BUSINESS TAX CUTS TOUGH ON CRIME; DEATH PENALTY