Unit 4: American Political Ideologies and Beliefs

Individualism

Self Reliance; Meritocracy - more accepting of income inequality

Equality of Opportunity

Every American deserves equal footing to strive for life, libery, and the pursuit of happiness

Free Enterprise

Laissez-faire economics, little government intervention in economy

Rule of Law

Every citizen is equal under law

Limited Government

Well defined limits and restrained through the seperation of powers and checks and balances

Liberals

New Reforms to make society more just and equitable

Globalization

Liberal; Merging of culture, support global economy

Conservatives

Preserve established institutions

Protectionism

Conservative; American-made products, tariffs on trade

Libertarian

Emphasis on individual liberty, freedom from coercion, and voluntary interactions. It values personal autonomy and the rights of individuals to make choices as long as they respect the equal rights of others. Limited government, free markets, and a society where individuals are responsible for their own actions and decisions. 

Individualism - Conservative

Individual protected from government action; self interest > social interest

Individualism - Liberal

Individual protected by government action; Healthy societies allow individuals to thrive.

Equality of Opportunity - Conservative

Personal responsibility to maximize responsibility

Equality of Opportunity - Liberal

Government is responsible for correcting past inequalities; support affirmative action

Free Enterprise - Conservative

Self-regulate market; Supply-Side “Trickle Down” Economics → flat tax

Free Enterprise - Liberal

Some government regulation; Keynesian Economics → progressive tax

Law - Conservative

Law & Order; hold law enforcement in high regard

Law - Liberal

Why were crimes committed?; acknowledge laws have been applied unequally

Limited Government - Conservative

Social order, even at cost of some personal liberties; Society conforms to traditional values

Limited Government - Liberal

Personal liberty, even at cost of some order; Allow freedoms that don’t impact others

Order of Census

Census → Reapportionment → Redistricting

Duverger’s Law

Single-member plurality electoral system → 2-Party

Ballot Access Law

Regulate conditions under which a ballot measure, candidate, or political party entitled to appear on ballot

3rd Party Impact

Influence Primary Parties

Express frustration with Primary Parties

Voice of Minority Viewpoints

Spoiler Effect

Spoiler Effect

Takes votes away from one of the primary parties that share side of ideological spectrum

527 Groups

Tax-exempt group registered with the IRS and organized to raise money for political activities

Hard money

Contributions given directly to candidate for campaign

Soft Money

Money donated to party/interest group who can buy ads on campaign’s behalf; NOT subject to campaign finance laws