Political Ideologies Flashcards

Flashcards covering key concepts from the Political Ideologies lecture, including Liberalism, Progressivism, and Conservatism.

Ideology

A system of ideas and ideals, especially one that forms the basis of economic or political theory and policy.

Liberal Tradition in America

An ideological framework emphasizing individual liberty, limited government, and free markets, dominant in American political tradition.

John Locke's Natural Rights

Life, Liberty, and Property

Historical Liberalism

The idea that liberty allows everyone to pursue their individual destiny and that limited government is best.

Profit Motive (Adam Smith)

The idea that the price system, driven by supply and demand, acts efficiently to allocate resources within the economy.

The Invisible Hand

The concept that self-regarding people can act collectively for the good of all by looking to their own business and responding to profit.

Laissez Faire

A policy where the government should leave the economy alone; means 'to let it be'.

Classical Liberalism

Individuals have rights that must be respected, including self-expression, conscience, and property; governments should protect these rights.

Harm Principle

The principle that governments ought to limit themselves to protecting individual rights.

Liberal Tradition Emphasis

Emphasizes individual and local control over economic and moral decisions, allowing people to make their own contracts and moral decisions.

Populism

A late 19th-century movement arguing that liberal freedom was incomplete and advocating for government intervention to help the 'sheep' against the 'wolves.'

Progressivism

Argued that pure liberalism is insufficient in the modern world and that the poor/oppressed need help to achieve their American dream

Jefferson's View

Believed limited government is best, allowing a nation of small farmers the freedom to choose.

Hamilton's View

Believed the era of small farms is over and advocated using the government to shape the modern nation.

Progressive Approach to Science and Disease

Argue that disease ought not to be thought of as result of personal failing.

Progressivism and the Modern Welfare State

Reformers, academics, and philanthropists using the 'science' of welfare to study and correct systemic problems.

The Forgotten Man

William Graham Sumner's concept referring to the individual who is burdened by measures to help others.

Conservatism

Moral and social norms and traditional institutions and hierarchies can guide people toward correct choices

Conservative Approach to Government

Practical solutions tend to be better in government, preserving institutions that work pretty well, even if not perfect.

Conservative Values

Cultural are more important than rules; traditions tend to be wiser than you think

Conservative Support

Support for traditional religion, family, patriotism, and self-sufficiency, encouraging work ethic and entrepreneurship.

Ordered Liberty

Individual choice guided by culture.