POLITICAL IDEOLOGY n Political Ideology A consistent set

+ POLITICAL IDEOLOGY n Political Ideology: A consistent set of views about the policies government should pursue (e. g. liberal vs. conservative)

+ Traditional Political Spectrum n Conservatives tend to believe that there should be less government intervention in economic matters n Liberals feel there should be less governmental regulation of social and political matters n Moderates are opposed to extreme views and actions and include opinions of both liberals and conservatives n 80% of Americans!!!

Liberal Democrats Pro-Choice Higher taxes More Government Services No Prayer in Public Schools Gun Control Pro Same-Sex Marriage Anti Death Penalty Universal Healthcare Welfare Safety Net Regulation of Business Minimum Wage Policy Tendencies: Conservative Republicans Pro Life Lower Taxes Fewer Govt. Services Prayer in Pub. Schools Right to Bear Arms Anti Same-Sex Marriage Pro Death Penalty Individual Responsibility Little Regulation of Business Govt. out of the Job Market

Liberal or Conservative? • Government should not censor speech, press, media or the internet. • Repeal laws prohibiting adult possession and use of drugs. Liberal • • • • Let people control their own retirement; privatize Social Security. Conservative Replace government welfare with private charity. Conservative Liberal Government regulation of business is necessary to protect the public interest Liberal Government regulation of business usually does more harm than good. Conservative Too much power is concentrated in the hands of a few large companies. Liberal Stricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and Conservative The government should help those in need even if it has to raise taxes. Liberal Government programs like welfare discourage people from working. Conservative