1. Political Ideology and Labels

2. Political Ideology: An individual or group’s set of political beliefs
While individuals have very specific and distinct political ideologies, people are forced to choose which political party or label “best” fits them
Why is this the case?

3. What does your position mean?
DO NOT WRITE DOWN---JUST LISTEN
What does your position mean?
Traditionally, we have used a left-right spectrum to suggest where people stand on the issues:
Left/Liberal
Right/Conservative

4. Political Spectrum Turn Clock Forward Reverse Clock Radical
Conservative
Fast Forward Time
Liberal
Turn Clock Back
Reactionary
Clock = Progress or Change
Status Quo = the way things are now

5. Believe that people are born good
Believe that people are born good. It is only when society lets them down that they turn on society. Equality is important
Believe in a larger federal government. This larger government is made up of social programs to help those in need
Believe that it is the responsibility of the government to take care of those who cannot help themselves
Believe that change is good. Change is progress, and therefore is good.
Believe in tolerance of alternative lifestyles.
Liberals tend to—but not always—vote Democratic
Liberals

6. Believe that the priority of government should be social order through strict and harsh punishments
Believe in less federal government. Government should regulate the lives of Americans less, not more
Believe that it is the responsibility of family, churches, and charities to take care of those who cannot take care of themselves. It is not the government’s responsibility.
Believe that change should be slow and well thought-out. Like to refer back to the way things used to be.
Believe in traditional family values
Conservatives tend to—but not always—vote Republican
Conservatives

7. Refining the Ideological Spectrum
The Economic Spectrum
Liberal: Economic liberals favor broad government involvement in economic policy-making and regulation of business
Conservative: Economic conservatives favor limited government involvement in economic policymaking and regulation of business

8. Refining the Ideological Spectrum
The Social/Political Spectrum
Liberal: Social and political liberals favor limited government regulation of individual behavior
Conservative: Social and political conservatives favor broad government regulation of individual behavior

9. Think, Pair, Share
What did you notice happens to Liberals and Conservatives in our spectrum, based on the type of issue?
Therefore, some call for a REFINING of the spectrum to include: moderates, totalitarians, libertarians

10. Other Political Ideologies
Moderates:
Take a strong stance on few issues, preferring the middle position on most matters.
They emphasize practical solutions to public issues

11. Other Political Ideologies
Totalitarians:
Prefer government control over all areas of life.
Promotes equality through regulation by the government (may be an individual or group of people)

12. What does this mean for our two-party system?
Where do MOST Americans find themselves on the spectrum?

13. Political Parties 101

14. Democratic Party Identify with liberal values
Support some of these ideas
Loose interpretation of the Constitution
Graduated income tax (rich pay more, poor less)
Universal healthcare
Pro-Choice
Stem Cell research
Time table for taking troops out of Iraq
Government to help weak groups
Children
Seniors
The poor

15. Republican Party Conservative Ideology Support some of these ideas
Strict interpretation of the Constitution
Emphasize corporate and personal decision making
Individuals are responsible for their actions
Less government involvement in people’s lives
Less of a safety net to assist the less fortunate however…
Private sector (businesses, charities, organizations, etc.)
are more effective than government
Strong military and national defense
Pro-life
Strict environmental standards hurt businesses

16. Libertarian Party