Political ideologies

Ideology

A belief system about how government and society should work.

Basics of conservatism

Emphasizes traditional viewpoints and law &order

Supports religion, family values, and national pride

Prefers slow change, not rapid reform

Government role in conservatism

limited role in economy

Strong role in law & order

Protects traditional institutions

Conservatism example

Republican Party (generally)

Basics of modern liberalism

Keep focus on rights but support more government help

Believes government should ensure fairness and opportunity

Supports programs such as social security, public schools

Modern liberalism Government Role

Reaction to industrial poverty and inequality

Still values freedom-but includes economic safety nets

Ex: Democratic Party

Libertarianism basics

Maximize personal and economic freedom

Minimal government in both life and business

Anti-war, anti-surveillance, anti-tax

Example: legalize marijuana and other drugs

Libertarianism government role

Strictly limited to protecting individual rights and keeping the public safe

Socialism basics

Belief in economic equality

Gov. ownership of major industries

Tries to reduce gap between rich and poor (to reduce inequality)

Democratic reform (voting)

Socialism government role

Provides healthcare, education, and welfare

Regulated businesses and protects workers

Wealth redistributed through taxes

Communism basics

Goal: classless, stateless society

Workers (proletariat) control everything

No private property at all

Created by Karl Marx

Communism gov. role

Total control of economy and property

All wealth shared

In theory: no need for gov. long term

Often led to dictatorships

Anarchism basics

Belief: all gov.=oppression

People should rule themselves without a state

Focus on freedom at every level

Anarchism gov. role

Gov. Shouldn’t exist

No police, military, or taxes

Organized society through voluntary groups

Goal is not chaos but radical freedom

Fascism basics

(Far-right)

Ultra-nationalist and authoritarian (nothing comes before your country)

Dictator controls everything

Strong military, censorship, propaganda

Fascism gov. role

Total control: economy, media, education

Suppresses opposition

Focus on purity, loyalty, tradition, nation

Major differences between American Democrats and Republicans

 democrats

• bigger federal gov. role

• social programs that promote equality

• more regulation in business

American Republicans 

• Smaller federal gov. and lower taxes

• free market —less gov. regulation

• more traditional values and strong military 

A country having healthcare and college publicly funded, but still remains a democracy

Socialism supports this

Believes in traditional family values, lower taxes, and strong military

Conservatism

No government, total self-rule by individuals and communities

Anarchism

Believes the state should control all property and abolish classes

Communism

Mussolini’s Italy: authoritarian, nationalist, and anti-communist

Fascism

Believes gov. Should regulate businesses and provide social safety nets

Liberal

Wants max. Individual and economic freedom, no government control

Libertarianism