Dilemmas & Ideology

Political Party

A group of people who share the same views about policies (the way power & government should be used in a country/society)

Political Spectrum

Liberals (top left), Libertarian (bottom left), Communitarian (top right), Conservatives (bottom right)

Political Ideology

Your belief of how government should balance liberty, order, and equality (when a gov. should be “IN” or “OUT”)

Two System (2 Political Parties)

Republican and Democratic

What do Political Parties Do

• Educate people about issues

• Nominate candidates

• Hold primary elections

• Raise money for campaigns

• Help legislatures pass laws they favor

• Write party platform (what the party stands for, broad)

Republican Core Beliefs & Ideas

• Less government interference

• Lower taxes

• Fewer government regulations on private sector (corporations/companies)

• “Conservative” or “Right-wing”

Republicans believe that if you lower taxes, the people will…

spend MORE & the economy will do BETTER (LESS taxes = LESS government)

Democrats Core Beliefs

• Government services to provide equal opportunity

• Raise taxes on the rich to help the poor

• Help the environment

• “Liberal/Left leaning”

Democrats try to provide (for the people)

Equal rights & opportunities for the working & lower class

Third Parties

Influencing the big parties

The Green Party

Tries to influence policy makers to focus on the environment

The Libertarian Party

Wants a little government interference as possible (HATE TAXES)

The Socialist Party

Wants more government welfare, such as free healthcare, and education, to help its citizens

The Communist Party

Wants to share the wealth with the workers

Liberals

• Economic order

• Social freedom

• Open to change, progressive

Libertarian

• Social freedom

• Economic freedom

Communitarian

• Economic order

• Social order

Conservatives

• Social order

• Economic freedom

• Traditional views and morals

Populist

Advocate ordinary people against elites, claiming to represent the "common person's" interests over the establishment's

John Locke

Argued people are reasonable, and government should protect their rights to life, liberty, and property (FREEDOM)

Thomas Hobbes

Believed people are naturally selfish, needing a strong government to keep ORDER

Independent

A person not affiliated with a major party

Social vs Economic

Social: issues related to society, culture, and people's interactions (ex. education, healthcare, civil rights)
vs.
Economic: issues concerning money, resources, and the economy (ex. taxes, employment, trade)

Freedom vs. Order

Freedom: individual rights and personal choice, allowing people to act as they wish within the law.

Order: rules, and structures that maintain security and social harmony, sometimes limiting individual freedoms for the greater good.

Single-issue party

Focuses exclusively on one specific political or social issue

Constitution Party

Advocates for a strict interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing limited government, individual liberties, and states' rights.

Original Dilemmas

Social, order vs freedom

3 ways of how the government continues to try to balance freedom and order.

1. Surveillance and Privacy Laws,

2. Freedom of Speech vs. Hate Speech Regulations

3. Gun Control and Second Amendment Rights

Modern Dilemma

Equality vs freedom, economics, taxes

3 ways of how the government continues to try to balance freedom and equality

1. Anti-Discrimination Laws & Equal Opportunity

2. Voting Rights and Accessibility

3. Ensure everyone has access to medical care

Main purpose of political parties & identify the major political parties and their dominating ideologies

To organize and represent groups with shared interests, gain political power by nominating candidates, mobilize voters, and promote specific policy agendas in the political process

One-party systems

Often provide stability and consistent policies but limit political choice and dissent

Dual-party Systems

Dominated by two major parties. Promotes stability, simplifies voter choice, and encourages moderation. Limits diversity of political views, marginalizes third parties, and can lead to polarization.

Polarization

Growing divide and lack of agreement between different political or social groups, often resulting in extreme viewpoints and reduced willingness to compromise.

Multi party-systems

Where multiple parties compete for power, leading to a diverse representation of views. Broader representation and debate. Potential political fragmentation and unstable coalition governments.

Party platforms of Democratic Party

Social Justice, Healthcare, Climate Change, Economic Policy, Gun Control

Party platforms of Republican Party

Limited Government, National Security, Healthcare, Social Issues (no abortion, support for traditional marriage), Energy Policy

Impact of third parties on the gov. and elections

Introduces new ideas, engages unrepresented voters, and affects election outcomes through vote-splitting.

Party Plank

Specific issue (ex. stances on abortion)