1. Political Experience

2. What is Politics?
Process by which society makes its governing decisions
Whose values or ideas will prevail in society
The ability to manipulate the uneducated voter
Who gets what, when, and how

3. What is Politics?
In fact, the whole purpose of political parties is to WIN elections
“Just win baby”
The inevitable result is…
Political Conflict

4. Political Conflict is rooted in:
Scarcity: not enough wealth/resources to satisfy everyone; therefore, conflict will result over this wealth/resources
Ex. School financing – Beavercreek vs. Dayton Public
Value Differences:
Ex. Abortion – To some, it is the freedom of choice; to others, it is murder
To sum, politics is a competition for power among a great many interests of all kinds

5. Political Beliefs
When analyzing political beliefs, it’s important to ask 5 essential questions:
What role should gov’t. play in our lives?
What’s the proper balance between freedom & security?
What role should the gov’t. play in the economy?
Is the Constitution a document that is to be interpreted?
What role should the US play internationally?

6. Political Ideologies What is an ideology?
Consistent pattern of opinion on particular issues that stems from one’s core values
Ex. Communism – believe in material equality; a communist would support wage & welfare policies designed to spread wealth more evenly across society

7. Liberal Beliefs Liberals:
Favor an activist gov’t. in providing economic security and if necessary, redistribute wealth
Reject government having a particular set of values
Favor personal choice in social/moral issues

8. Liberal Beliefs Typically support Democrats
Consider themselves the party of change
Gov’t. should have empathy, compassion, & trust its people
Few gov’t. restrictions in private lives
Gov’t. should regulate economy for everyone’s benefit
More even distribution of wealth

9. Liberal Beliefs
Gov’t. should encourage civil rights/affirmative action through legislation
Supported by poor and a variety of ethnic/minority groups
Key Doctrine = Fairness
More critical of America’s past/history in order to stimulate change
FDR

10. Conservative Beliefs Conservatives:
Favor a hands-off government in determining economic security (let the market work!)
Government should uphold traditional social values (Ex. Gay marriage)

11. Conservative Beliefs Typically support Republican
More traditional values and look back to a better time in America (These kids now a days)
Support state rights
Legislating social/moral codes of conduct
Strong sense of right and wrong
Tend to be more “religious”

12. Conservative Beliefs Want limited government involvement in economy
Capitalism works best when few restrictions are placed on it
Proud, positive view of American history
Promote free trade with other nations
Against “socialized medicine” (gov’t. control of health care)
Ronald Reagan

13. 3. Libertarian Beliefs
Oppose activist gov’t. in the economy and upholding traditional social values
Support maximum Liberty in both personal & economic matters (free market)
Advocate a much smaller government
Support Individual Responsibility
Oppose high taxation
Tolerate diverse lifestyles

14. 4. Populist Beliefs
Want gov’t. to have a great deal of power/involvement over the economy & individual behavior
Doubt whether economic liberty & individual freedom are practical options in today’s world
Distrust free market & support centralized economy
Support high taxation
Oppose diverse lifestyles
Model: Joseph Stalin

15. Populist Conservative Liberal Libertarian
Activist role for government in area
of economic security
Favor Oppose
Activist role for
government
in area of
upholding
traditional
values
Populist
Conservative
Liberal
Libertarian
Favor
Oppose

16. Differences between Liberals & Conservatives
Cons value FREEDOM; Libs value EQUALITY
Libs believe in Aid; Cons believe in Investment
Cons – gov’t. is the problem, people the solution; Libs – people are the problem, gov’t. the solution
Cons want to save civilization; Libs want to save wilderness
Cons value Individual Responsibility; Libs value Social Responsibility

17. Differences between Liberals & Conservatives
Libs think illegal immigrants are exploited; Cons think illegal immigrants wouldn’t keep coming here if Libs were correct about what happens to them
Cons believe in Capital Punishment but not Abortion; Libs believe in Abortion but not Capital Punishment
Libs believe war is best averted by disarming; Cons believe war is best averted by preparing for war
Cons believe equal opportunity means best person wins; Libs believe equal opportunity means equal results

18. Ideologies Libertarians:
Oppose an activist government in regulating the economy
Oppose the government upholding traditional social values

19. Ideologies Populists: Favor an activist government in the economy
Favor government upholding traditional social values