✅ Political spectrum

Political spectrum=

• A device by which different political standpoints can be mapped across one axis or more, as a way of demonstrating their ideological position in relation to one another

• Party ideology in the UK has generally been discussed in terms of

• the simple left-right political spectrum that emerged in revolutionary France at the end of the 18th century.

The extreme left In modern usage

• extreme left of the political spectrum are said to favour some form of communal existence, w all property being held collectively as opposed to individually,

the moderate left in modern usage

• accept capitalism but favour greater govt intervention in the economy + a more comprehensive welfare state.

The right in modern usage

• are said to favour private enterprise over state provision, resulting in a process that the former conservative PM Thatcher described as 'rolling back the frontiers of the state'

In the UK the debate over the direction of govt policy has generally centred on?

the battle between socialists + conservatives. However, all 3 of he main British parties are better seen as 'broad churches', each comprising members of various different political shades

Left characteristics: View of humans

• A more positive view of human nature, seeing humans as social creatures w a propensity for cooperation + sociability

Left characteristics: view of the state

• The state as a force for good than can intervene to deliver equality + the redistribution of wealth via progressive taxation, universal welfare + higher spending on the public services

Left characteristics: view of the state in terms of economy

• The state plays a major role in the economy, thru nationalised industries, support for trade unions + using public spending to maintain economic growth + employment

What the left is associated with in society

• In society, the left is associated w an internationalist approach to global affairs, a focus on equal rights + equality of opportunity

The rights’ view of humans

• a more pessimistic view of humans, seeing them as fragile, fallible + security seeking. More recently associated w humans as rational, self-seeking individuals

The rights’ view of the state

• The key role of the state is to provide strong law + order + promote social unity. W a more limited welfare state that protects those most in need + incentivises people to work

The rights’ view of the state in terms of economy

• The state plays a limited role in the economy because a market free from high levels of tax, regulation, too much union power + nationalised industries is the best way of creating wealth + rewarding hard work

What the right is associated with in in society

• more traditional values, based around patriotism + the national interest, the nuclear family + Christian values