1. Describe or Draw a picture Liberal and a Conservative
Warm-Up
Describe or Draw a picture
of what your idea is of a
Liberal and a Conservative
Looks like, acts like, believes, etc.
Be as descriptive as possible

2. The Political Continuum
We all want the same things in life. We want freedom, the chance for prosperity, as few people suffering as possible, healthy children, crime-free streets. The argument is how to achieve them…

3. Liberal vs. Conservative
Democrat
Left Wing
Blue
Republican
Right Wing
Red

4. Are you a Democrat or Republican?
Take the Quiz and learn where you stand
Are you surprised by your results?

5. Political Differences
Democrats
Republicans
Prefer larger government, stricter regulations and more services to be provided by the government.
More Involvement in healthcare 
A loose interpretation of the Constitution.  
Believe in government action to achieve equal opportunity and equality for all.  It is the duty of the government to relieve social problems, protect civil liberties and individual and human rights. 
Believe the role of the government should be to guarantee that no one is in need.
Emphasize the need for the government to solve problems.
Prefer smaller government, less regulation, most services to be provided by private companies & individuals.
Privatized healthcare
A literal interpretation of the Constitution.
Believe in personal responsibility, limited government, free markets, individual liberty, traditional American values and a strong national defense.
Believe the role of government should be to provide people the freedom necessary to pursue their own goals.
Emphasize empowerment of the individual to solve problems.

6. Economic Differences Democrats Republicans
Government should tax more, spend more and provide more services.
High-income earners should pay a larger percentage of their income as taxes.
Government should tax less, spend less.
Tax rates should not be higher for high income earners. Cut taxes more on businesses to increase revenue to build the economy.

7. Social Differences Republicans Democrats
Not opposed to gay marriage, abortion and embryonic stem cell research.
Oppose the right that everyone should be allowed to bear arms.
Opposed to gay marriage, abortion and embryonic stem cell research.
Support the right to bear arms.

8. Political Spectrum
Work together as a class to place “political groups” left and right on the spectrum

10. Liberals to the left Conservatives to the Right
Where do you fall?
Liberals to the left Conservatives to the Right
Does your opinion change if a third “group” is added?
Conservative
Liberal
Moderate

11. Where do you fall? Have you changed your stance? Liberals to the left
Conservatives to the Right
Does your opinion change depending on whether it is a social or economic issue?
Conservative
Liberal

12. Most Government Involvement Least Government Involvement
Social
“Right”
Most Government Involvement
Economic
“Right”
Economic
“Left”
Least Government Involvement
Social
“Left”

14. Social Democrat Republican
Not opposed to gay marriage, abortion, stem cell research
Do not agree with freedoms involving gun (right to bear arms)
Opposed to gay marriage, anti-abortion, anti-stem cell research
Support the right to bear arms

17. Exit Out
Do you think your opinion of left wing / right wing changes over time? Why?

18. Writing Prompt #1 – Are you a Liberal or a Conservative?
Assignment Outline points
Your Name on the Upper Right
My name, below your name
Date, below my name
Typed
Double spaced
12-14 point font
The follow must be included in your writing
Declare It – tell me if you are Liberal, Conservative, or another
Back that up – tell me why you side with that “political philosophy”
Give a minimum of one example that you agree with
Socially
Economically