1. 2-2: Political Ideology

2. Big Idea: Competing Policy-Making Interests
Enduring Understanding:
Widely held political ideologies shape policy debates and choices in American policies.

3. Learning Objectives:
Explain how the ideologies of the two major parties shape policy debates.
Explain how U.S. political culture (e.g. values, attitudes, and beliefs) influences the formation, goals, and implementation of public policy over time.
Describe different political ideologies regarding the role of government in regulating the marketplace.
Explain how political ideologies vary on the role of government in addressing social issues.
Explain how different ideologies impact policy on social issues.

4. Overview Ideology More important to politicians
Cohesive set of beliefs
Politics
Policy
Role of government
More important to politicians
Only 20% of Americans tend to vote along ideological lines

5. Liberalism Strong government role in the economy
Minimal government intervention in personal decisions
Issues
Social reform
National health care
Environmental protection
Higher taxes on wealthy
Less military intervention*
Tend to be Democrats
Appeal to minority groups

6. Moderate Ideology Most people think about policies instead of ideology
Candidates try to shift their views to the middle
“Swing voters”
Split-ticket voting
Tend to identify as independents
All-time high claim themselves independent

7. Conservatism Minimal government role in economy
Government regulation of social issues
Idealize the “self-made man”
Issues
Lower taxes (supply-side economics)
Expansion of military power
Anti-gay marriage
Pro-life
Private sector dominance
Tend to identify as Republicans

8. Libertarianism Minimal government involvement in all aspects of life
Fully advocate individual freedom
Issues
Low taxes
Privacy rights
Legalization of drugs
Opposition to military aggression
Government should never initiate or threaten force on anybody
Libertarian Party
Most ideological libertarians tend to vote for the Republican or Democratic Party
Rapid Libertarian Party growth among younger voters