AP Government 4.7 Terms

Moderate

a centrist view; avoids extreme opinions

Conservative

believe in following tradition and having reverence for authority

Liberal

open to allowing the government to act flexibly and expand beyond established constraints

Libertarian

generally oppose government intervention or regulation; have high regard for civil liberties

Populist

favor policies that benefit the working class; usually hold Christian values

Progressive

dislike the centralization of power; support labor unions

Liberal Beliefs

• Govt has an important role to play in society

• Govt should regulate the economy in order to ensure that efficiency is maximized and noneconomic interest [environment] are protected

• Government should not regulate moral issues in most cases—marujuana, abortion, same-sex marriage, and other private matters

• Govt should tax at a higher rate to assist citizens with social services, such as housing, food, and healthcare

Conservative Beliefs

• Govt should play only a minimal role in society

• The government should engage in minimal regulation of the economy–market forces maximize efficiency and problems

• Govt has an important role to play in regulating moral issues in order to uphold traditional values

• Govt funding of social goods should be limited; citizens should be expected to provide for themselves, not dependent on govt services