Ideology
• The system of beliefs that
guides political parties.
Liberal
• “Left” of center
• Bigger government
• Political Party affiliation = Democrat
Conservative
• “Right” of center
• Smaller government
• Political party affiliation = Republican
Democrat
• Pro Choice
• Diplomacy over militancy
• Pro Gay Rights
• Supports social programs  Through taxation of the wealthier
• Environmental Regulations (Address climate change issues)
• Supports unions
Republican
• Pro Life
• Pro Defense (Militancy over diplomacy)
• Pro Traditional Marriage
• Emphasis on religious values
• Opposes environmental regulation as it costs businesses money
• Less investment in social programs (too costly, expands the
government)
• Supports corporations
Independent
• Unaffiliated – not part of any political party
Pro-Choice
• Supports a woman’s right to choose an elective abortion.
• Liberal view
Pro-Life
• Opposes abortion on moral or religious grounds.
• Life begins at conception
• Conservative View
Pro-Defense
• Belief in the investment of military strength
• Prove our might by the size and strength of military
• Conservative View
Diplomacy
• Negotiations with another country to avoid war.
• Liberal View
Gun Control
• Stronger restrictions on gun purchases – including background
checks.
• Liberal view
Social Programs
• Welfare programs that support the needs of American citizens
• EX: Social Security, Disability, Food Stamps, WIC, Medicaid, Medicare etc.
• Liberal View
Fascist
• Authoritarian, totalitarian government
• Complete government control
• Example: Italy under Benito Mussolini or
Germany under Adolph Hitler
Socialist
• Shared ownership, equality (especially income equality) for all.
• High taxes to support large social programs.
• Ex: Norway
Denmark
Communist
• Government owns all property and distributes
what is needed back to the people
• Common ownership of property
• No profit or large corporations
• Ex: Cuba
North Korea