Political Parties and Ideologies - In Depth Notes

Political Ideology

  • Definition: A set of beliefs, principles, or doctrines on how society should function or be governed.
  • Central Questions:
    • Who should do the governing?
    • How do we get there?

Origins of Political Ideology

  • Influences on development:
    • Family and Community:
    • Values and beliefs imparted through upbringing.
    • Education:
    • Impact of teachers, fellow students, textbooks/course content.
    • Media:
    • Role of media algorithms; often creates echo chambers.
    • Religion:
    • Influence of holy texts on personal beliefs.
    • Social Class:
    • Different classes may lean towards differing political ideologies (e.g. top 1% typically conservative).
    • Personal Experience:
    • Individual life experiences shape political views.
    • Military Influence:
    • Exposure to republican (conservative) values.

Economic Perspectives on Wealth Inequality

Perspectives on Wealth Differentials in the US
  • Conservative View:
    • Belief in personal responsibility: “My family worked for it.”
    • Suggests that poor people lack work ethic.
  • Liberal View:
    • Points to systemic inequalities:
    • Policies favor the rich; hinder working class.
    • Issues of generational poverty and historical injustices.

Political Platforms

  • Definition: Set of beliefs, ideas, or plans that a political party supports.
  • Similarities Between Parties:
    • Desire to improve the country.
    • Support for some form of capitalism.
    • Advocacy for military spending.
    • Emphasis on individualism and rights.
    • Importance of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
    • Objective: To win elections.

Key Differences Between Political Parties

  • Welfare Policies
  • Gun Control
  • Immigration
  • LGBTQ Rights
  • Abortion
  • Government Role in Economy

Democratic Party

  • Advocates for strong federal regulation of the economy.
  • Focuses on protecting citizens from market failures.
  • Supports welfare initiatives (Welfare State).
  • Related Policies:
    • FDR's New Deal.
    • Social Security.
    • Role of government in addressing inequality.

Republican Party

  • Prefers a limited role of government in the economy.
  • Advocates for less regulated capitalism and reduced welfare.
  • Prioritizes their version of “family values.”

Demographics

  • Typical Democrats:
    • Liberals.
    • Women, African Americans, Urban dwellers.
    • Highly educated individuals.
  • Typical Republicans:
    • Conservatives.
    • Predominantly white males, white Protestants, rural/suburban voters, with a Christian orientation.