The Political Spectrum
Many Independents
are in the middle.
Most Democrats
tend to fall here.
20*
Radical
Most Republicans
tend to fall here.
60*
Liberal
100*
Moderate
Typical liberal positions:
* Pro-choice
* Govt. regulation to protect environment, workers,
consumers, etc.
* Taxes if needed to fund important govt. programs.
* Govt. focus on creating a more fair and equal
society.
* Increased gun control.
* Equal rights for homosexuals (civil unions,
marriage, etc.)
Conservative
Reactionary
Typical conservative positions:
* Pro-life
* Less govt. regulation
* Lower taxes
* Govt. focus on defense and law and order
* Rights of gun ownership
* Traditional families (against same-sex
marriage)
Conservatives would like to preserve or conserve traditional American values like a small federal government, low taxes,
few government regulations on business, the right to own firearms, and traditional religious values that shaped or society.
Liberals are more willing to see these traditions set aside in order to improve society. Conservatives would say that
changing these traditions harms society – that the traditions are what hold society together and make our country great.
* These numbers correspond to your score on the “liberal or conservative” quiz we took in class. This is only on approximation to give you some
idea where you might stand on the political spectrum. You should consider your opinions on important issues to decide what your own political
ideology is.
The Political Spectrum
How much do you accept change in society and government?
Totally accept change.
20*
Radical
Resist change.
60*
Liberal
100*
Moderate
Typical liberal positions:
* Pro-choice
* Govt. regulation to protect environment, workers,
consumers, etc.
* Taxes if needed to fund important govt. programs.
* Govt. focus on creating a more fair and equal
society.
* Increased gun control.
* Equal rights for homosexuals (civil unions,
marriage, etc.)
Conservative
Reactionary
Typical conservative positions:
* Pro-life
* Less govt. regulation
* Lower taxes
* Govt. focus on defense and law and order
* Rights of gun ownership
* Traditional families (against same-sex
marriage)
Conservatives would like to preserve or conserve traditional American values like a small federal government, low taxes,
few government regulations on business, the right to own firearms, and traditional religious values that shaped or society.
Liberals are more willing to see these traditions set aside in order to improve society. Conservatives would say that
changing these traditions harms society – that the traditions are what hold society together and make our country great.
* These numbers correspond to your score on the “liberal or conservative” quiz we took in class. This is only on approximation to give you some
idea where you might stand on the political spectrum. You should consider your opinions on important issues to decide what your own political
ideology is.
Govt.
interferes in
economy to
“level the
playing field.”
EQUALITY
Stalin
Gandhi
The Dalai Lama
Nelson
Mandela
Hitler
Govt.
controls
peoples
behavior.
People can
do whatever
they want.
Obama
Ron
Paul
Romney
Totally Free
Markets
FREEDOM
ORDER
Stalin
Govt.
enforces
traditional
values.
Hitler
Romney
Hugo
Chavez
Obama
Economic Issues
Govt. Control of
Economy
(Communism)
The Dalai Lama
Totally Free
Markets
Nelson
Mandela
Gandhi
Libertarianism
(People can do
what they
want.)
Social
Issues