Political Ideologies (Gov)

Political ideology

Collection of beliefs about morality, economics, efficiency, how society should function, and the role of government held by an individual or organization

Party affiliation is related to but different from political ideology, members of political parties may not share the party’s ideology entirely

How can political ideologies be measured?

In various ways using grids and graphs but traditionally it has been through through the liberal (left) - conservative (right) spectrum which is a line

Consistency of ideologies

Generally consistant but can seem to lack internal consistency at times, party constituencies (body of people) change over time which may influence ideological systems

Party platform

Compilation of the policy positions the party favors which reflect its ideology

Liberal ideology

• Government = big role

• Government should regulate economy to ensure efficiency is maximized and noneconomic interests are protected

• Government should stay out of moral issues in most cases (abortion, same sex marriage, marijuana, etc)

• Government should spend money on social programs (housing, food, healthcare)

• Democratic Party

Conservative ideology

• Government = small role

• Government should not/barely regulate the economy because market forces will maximize efficiency

• Government should regulate moral issues to uphold traditional beliefs

• Government should not fund/limited funding of social programs because citizens should be expected to provide for themselves

• Republican Party

Economy

Liberal:

• increase govt regulation of businesses to protect workers and environment

• Markets need regulation to be efficient

• Favors taxation of businesses and wealthy to support spending on public goods

Conservative:

• minimal govt regulation of economy

• Market forces will make markets efficient and productive

• favors reduced taxation of businesses and wealthy to stimulate the economy

Federalism

Liberal:

• federal power

Conservative:

• state power/states rights

National security

Liberal:

• favors reduced military spending

• Favors involvement in global affairs, diplomacy, and foreign aid

Conservative:

• favors increased military spending

• Favors limited foreign aid, limited involvement with foreign nations, and military strength

Social welfare

Liberal:

• increased funding of social welfare programs

Conservative:

• reduced funding of social welfare programs

Education

Liberal:

• increased funding of public education

Conservative:

• vouchers and support for private and religious education

Immigration

Liberal:

• supports legal immigration and citizenship path for certain groups of undocumented immigrants

Conservative:

• reduced legal immigration and opposes citizenship path for undocumented immigrants

Abortion rights

Liberal:

• pro choice

Conservative:

• pro life

Civil rights

Liberal:

• favors expanded civil rights protections

• Favors affirmative action (a set of policies and practices that increase opportunities for those who have historically faced discrimination)

Conservative:

• favors limited civil rights protections

• Opposes affirmative action

Environmental protection

Liberal:

• favors regulations to protect the environment and combat climate change

Conservative:

• opposes government action to regulate businesses

• Views climate change as an insignificant problem

Gun control

Liberal:

• favors restrictions on gun purchases and ownership

Conservative:

• opposes restrictions on gun ownership and purchases

Healthcare

Liberal:

• supports expanded access and govt involvement in healthcare

Conservative:

• favors private sector, free market healthcare with minimal govt involvement

Political culture

The shared set of political values, beliefs, and norms held within a society

Political socialization and agents of socialization

Political socialization is the process by which individuals within a society acquire their political values and opinions

Agents of socialization are family, education, and the media

Libertarian ideology

• shares beliefs with both liberal and conservative ideologies

• Opposes govt regulation of economy and moral issues

• Individual liberty is the highest value and the govt should exist only to protect private property rights

• Govt should not regulate the economy and allow the market to function freely according to the decisions of its participants

• Govt should not be involved in moral issues (marriage, sex, drugs, gambling, etc.) (interference is a violation of personal liberty)

• Ex. Libertarians would favors policies legalizing marijuana and reducing govt spending on prisons