Political Ideologies – Key Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering definitions, core principles, and state perspectives of Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism, and the general concept and functions of political ideology.

Ideology (Destutt de Tracy, 1796)

Originally coined by French philosopher Destutt de Tracy to mean a systematic set of ideas about society.

Ideology (Heywood, 2007)

A coherent set of ideas that guides organized political action aimed at preserving, modifying, or overthrowing an existing power structure.

Function 1 of Political Ideology

Provides an account of the existing order—identifies what works, what does not, and the problems society faces.

Function 2 of Political Ideology

Offers a model of a desired social order— a vision of the ‘Good Society.’

Function 3 of Political Ideology

Outlines how political change can be achieved—strategies to reach the desired order.

Liberalism

A political ideology centered on individual rights, liberties, and limited government.

Individualism

Liberal belief in the supreme importance of each person, all possessing equal moral worth and unique identities.

Freedom (Liberalism)

Core liberal value allowing each person to act as they choose, limited by ‘freedom under the law’ to protect others’ liberties.

Reason (Liberalism)

Faith in human rationality—individuals can make wise judgements and resolve conflicts through debate, not violence.

Equality (Liberalism)

Belief that people are ‘born equal,’ expressed through legal equality and political equality (‘one person, one vote’).

Toleration

Liberal willingness to let others think, speak, and act in disapproved ways, fostering debate and progress.

Consent (Liberalism)

View that authority must rest on the ‘consent of the governed’; legitimacy derives from willing agreement.

Conservatism

Ideology focused on preserving traditions and customs that define a society’s character.

Tradition

Conservative respect for long-standing customs and institutions that embody accumulated wisdom.

Pragmatism (Conservatism)

Preference for practical solutions based on ‘what works’ rather than abstract theory.

Human Imperfection

Conservative view of humans as limited and security-seeking, requiring strong law and order.

Authority (Conservatism)

Leadership exercised ‘from above’ to guide those lacking experience; rooted in knowledge and training.

Property (Conservatism)

Ownership provides security and independence, encouraging respect for law and others’ property.

Socialism

Ideology emphasizing community, social equality, and collective welfare over individual competition.

Community (Socialism)

Core socialist idea that human identity is shaped by social interaction and group membership.

Fraternity

Socialist belief in comradeship; cooperation and collectivism preferred to competition and individualism.

Social Equality

Central socialist value stressing equality of outcome as a basis for stability and cohesion.

Need Principle

Socialist idea that resources should be distributed according to need: ‘From each according to ability, to each according to need.’

Social Class (Socialism)

Focus on the oppressed working class as an agent of change and target for reducing inequalities.

Common Ownership

Socialist support for collective control of resources to serve the common good and curb social division.

Socialist View of the State

Sees the state as embodiment of the common good and supports government intervention for citizens’ welfare.

Liberal View of the State

Regards the state as a tool for social order and a guarantor of equal opportunities.

Conservative View of the State

Links the state to providing authority and discipline to protect society from chaos and disorder.

Cooperation over Competition

Socialist preference for collective effort and mutual support rather than rival individual striving.

Freedom under the Law

Liberal notion that liberty must operate within legal limits to safeguard everyone’s freedom.