Exploring Political Ideology
www.politicalcompass.org
For this assignment you will reflect on your own political ideology and those of two
historical
figures
of
the
contemporary
world
using
the
left\right
–
authoritarian\libertarian framework from politicalcompass.org
(see information sheet)
Answer the following questions on a
separate sheet. Your work must be
TYPED, size 12 font.
For each of the following people, indicate
where on the political spectrum you
believe
that
should
be
located
(Authoritarian Left, Authoritarian Right,
Libertarian Left, or Libertarian Right) and
explain why. Be sure to clearly examine
their position on the left/right spectrum AS
WELL AS on the authoritarian/libertarian
spectrum
1) An historical figure that you admire
2) An historical figure that you consider to be a political villain.
3) YOU. If you are still not sure, you might want to take the test at
politicalcompass.org. To help your explanation, you might consider explaining what
you find particularly distasteful about the other side.
*** Each paragraph must contain:
 Opinion: A topic sentence explaining the point you want to make (i.e. either
 Proof: Your proof should focus on the actual actions and words of the figure you
are analyzing. Whether writing about an historical figure or about yourself, simply
explain WHY you fall where you do on the spectrum by citing relevant examples
and explanations.
 Analysis: Presenting support is not enough to strengthen your argument. You
must also analyze the proof presented. What does this evidence mean? Why is it
important? How does it support your point? Imagine you are explaining your
reasoning to someone completely unfamiliar with ideology or historical events.
The Political Spectrum
The Left-Right Spectrum
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Left Wing
Government intervenes in the economy
on behalf of the poor and working
classes.
Right Wing
“Laissez-faire”: Government
does not intervene in the
economy.
Examples:
Examples:
 Government spending on social programs
and public projects
 Government ownership of businesses or
entire industries (nationalization)
 Protectionism. Taxes or restrictions on
foreign competition and investment
 Progressive taxation that redistributes
income from rich to poor
 No social spending
 No government ownership
 No regulation of business
 Free trade.
 Less taxes overall
The Authoritarian-Libertarian Spectrum
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Authoritarian
Power centralized in the hands of the few.
Associated with:
 Order and control
 Dictatorship (rule by one)
 Oligarchy (rule by a few)
 Military rule
Libertarian
No centralization of power. Power shared by the many through
democratic institutions.
Associated with:
 Individual rights and freedoms
 Direct or participatory democracy
Poor/
Incomplete
Analysis
Spelling, Grammar
& Punctuation
Satisfactory
Good
Excellent
Topic sentence is
thoughtful, well
developed and
clearly outlines the
point of the
paragraph.
5
No topic sentence.
Topic sentence
unclear.
Topic sentence basic
but clear.
Topic sentence
clearly outlines the
point of the
paragraph.
1
2
3
4
No proof.
Proof unclear or not
supportive of the
point.
123
456
Point
Proof
Unsatisfactory
Proof is basic but
supportive of the
point.
789
Proof is insightful
Proof is relevant and
and clearly supports
clearly supports the
the point.
point.
10 11 12
13 14 15
Solid analysis that
Insightful analysis
sheds light on the
that sheds light on
proof provided and
the proof provided
clearly links it to the
and clearly links it to
point.
the point.
No analysis.
Inaccurate analysis.
Adequate analysis.
12
34
56
78
9 10
No evidence of
editing.
Inadequate editing.
Too many errors.
Some editing is
evident but several
errors remain.
Well edited but a few
errors remain.
Error-free.
1
2
3
4
5