 Definition: A body of ideas or views of the
world that reflect the social needs, values, and
ideas of an individual or group
 Political Spectrum
 Broad Agreements
 US ideologies: Liberal, Conservative, and
Moderate
 Define: Political view that favors the use of
governmental power to promote individual
liberties and social progress
 Social problems solved best with gov.
involvement
 Democrats
 Example: spending more tax money on welfare
programs
 Definition: Favors traditional values and
government staying out of the private affairs
of citizens.
 Social problems are best solved by individuals
 Republicans
 Ex: Keep taxes low so people can spend their
money on their problems
 Definition: A person opposed to extreme views
and whose political attitude is between that of
a conservative and liberal.
 Outlook depends on the issue
 Republican, Democrat, Independent
 “Mushy Middle”
 Definition: Extremely Conservative political
views who favors changes to return to an
earlier government or society
 Willing to use violence
 Many totalitarian dictatorships
 Fascists, National Socialism
 Definition: Extremely liberal political views;
favors widespread change to the current
political and social order
 Willing to use violenceRevolution
 Government provides for the collective good of
the people
 Communist
“The first priority of the Government should be to
do everything for everybody”
“I believe that you can think for yourself. I believe
that you can spend you money better than the
government can. I believe that everyone benefits
from individual freedom and choice. And I believe
that if these responsibilities”
“ Unless both sides win, no agreement can be
permanent.”
 Definition: An organization of citizens who
wish to influence and control government by
getting members elected to office
 Similar ideas shared by members
 Party gains control in government, party gets
what the party wants
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Parties point out the weaknesses in other parties and
their candidates.
Parties recommend programs and laws that guide the
actions of gov.
Parties keep members informed and help keep all
citizens interested in their gov.
Parties ensure that public officials do a good job so
voters will re-elect them.
Parties select candidates who run for election to
public offices in the gov.
 A multi axis model
 Organizes political
ideologies on two levels
 Economic: Left to Right
 Social: Authoritarian to
Libertarian
 Economic
 Left: The economy should be run by a cooperative
collective agency (state/commune)
 Right: The economy should be left to the individuals
and organizations to make decisions
 Social
 Authoritarian: Authority and tradition should be
obeyed
 Libertarian: personal freedom should be maximized
 Who do you recognize?
 What does location mean?
Where do you fall on the political compass?
Go to: www.politicalcompass.org and take the test!
Click show graph on a separate page for printing and print.
Please write or type(if time) your name and an explanation
of your beliefs. Think back to the questions you were
asked and your responses to them. You will not be judged
on what you wrote.
 Please write two paragraphs.
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


 Identify which you were: Authoritarian Left, Authoritarian
Right, Libertarian Left, or Libertarian Right
 Your first paragraph describe where you stand economically
(left to right)
 Your second paragraph describes where you stand socially
(libertarian to authoritarian).