1. Conservatives v. Liberals
Political Ideologies
Conservatives v. Liberals

2. What is an ideology? 1. Ideology- a system of beliefs and ideals
1. Your own personal beliefs about the way things should be
2. Two main ideologies in the U.S. today:
1. Liberal
- Usually support the Democrat Party
2. Conservative
- Usually support the Republican Party

3. What’s the Difference?
1. The main disagreement between the two ideologies is the role of gov’t.
Conservative-
Less gov’t involvement in economy
Lower taxes
Gov’t enforcement of traditional values
Anti-abortion, anti-gay marriage, etc
State/local control
Liberal-
More gov’t involvement in economy
Higher taxes
Gov’t enforcement of progressive values
Pro-abortion, pro-gay marriage, etc
Central control

4. Liberal v. Conservative Ideologies
Purpose of Gov’t
C: Ensure basic rights; allow individual freedom
L: Protect and assist individual, by intervention if needed
The Individual
C: Protect, but don’t interfere
L: Gov’t and individuals are partners
Economics
C: Low taxes, minimal gov’t involvement in economy
L: Higher taxes, some gov’t regulation of economy
Foreign Relations
C: Pursue our country’s best interests
L: Cooperate closely with other countries and the U.N.
Aid to the Poor
C: Provide opportunities, but do not give handouts
L: Directly help the poor and disadvantaged
National Defense
C: Strongly emphasized
L: Not as strongly emphasized
Taxes
C: The less the better; allow the individual to use the money
L: Private funds should be used to help all
Criminal Punishment
C: Punish offenders; emphasize victim rights
L: Rehabilitate offenders; protect their rights

5. Voter tendencies
Blue- Liberal
Red- Conservative

6. Who is a Conservative? GENERALLY: Men White Protestants
Business people
Educated
Live in rural areas
Incomes over $75,000

7. Who is a Liberal? GENERALLY: Women
Racial Minorities (especially African- Americans)
Less educated
People living in urban areas
People with incomes under $75,000

8. Which are you? 1. A= L, B= C 2. A= L, B= C 3. A= L, B= C 4. A= L, B= C
5. A= C, B= L
6. A= L, B= C
7. A= C, B= L
8. A= L, B= C
9. A= C, B= L
10. A= L, B= C
11. A= L, B= C
12. A= L, B= C
13. A= C, B= L
14. A= C, B= L
15. A= C, B= L
16. A= L, B= C
17. A= C, B= L
18. A= L, B= C
19. A= C, B= L
20. A= L, B= C
21. A= L, B= C
22. A= C, B= L
23. A= L, B= C
24. A= C, B= L
25. A= L, B= C
Add up your C’s and L’s!

9. Political Spectrum Activity
1. In groups of 2-4, discuss the statements on the cards.
Do you agree or disagree with the statement?
Who would be most likely to say it: a Liberal or a Conservative?
2.Read your card/s to the class and place them on the political spectrum on the board
3. Discuss the issues that came up in your group as a class.