Political Ideologies The Political Spectrum Political Ideologies Definition

Political Ideologies & The Political Spectrum

Political Ideologies Definition: a set of beliefs that form the basis of a political system.

Political Spectrum RADICAL LIBERAL MODERATE CONSERVATIVE REACTIONARY

Lib era l Liberal • Reject violence or revolution → change should happen within existing political system • MORE GOV’T ACTION to increase economic opportunities & remove economic unfairness (can be done by providing services to the needy and restricting some business practices) • LESS GOV’T ACTION to control individual behavior such as abortion

Examples of Liberalism

Ra dic al Radical • Seeks drastic, rapid change in the basic structure of political, social &/or economic systems • May use EXTREME methods – including violence & revolution – to bring change • Usually “from the ground up” uprisings of “the people” against the power

Examples of Radicalism

Co ns er va tiv e Conservative • Usually cautious about pushing for new policies, especially if Gov’t activism required • LESS GOV’T ACTION: – Gov’t shouldn’t interfere in economic matters – People shouldn’t rely on Gov’t to take care of their needs – “The best gov’t governs least. ” • MORE GOV’T ACTION is OK to promote… – “traditional family values” & morals – “law & order” & public safety

Examples of Conservatives

Re ac tio na ry Reactionary • May use EXTREME methods – such as control of citizens & repressive use of Gov’t power – to achieve goals • GOAL: To create a nation the way it “should” be (according to the leaders!)

Examples of Reactionaries

Mo de ra te Moderate • Often hold a combination of both liberal & conservative views • Usually tolerant of others’ views BUT don’t hold extreme views themselves • Favor compromise, “go slow” or “wait-andsee” approaches to problems

Liberal or Conservative? How to tell… liberal conservative social & moral Issues • individual rights & personal choice/freedom • gov’t shouldn’t try to control individual behavior • promote “traditional family values” & morals • promote law & order, public safety economic issues • economic unfairness in society • gov’t should try to increase economic opportunities & promote economic fairness for all • economic freedom • gov’t shouldn’t interfere in economic matters • people shouldn’t rely on gov’t to take care of their needs