IDEOLOGIES of Political Parties [AP Gov Review, Unit 4 Topic 7 (4.7)]

Objective

1. Explain how ideologies of the two major parties shape policy debates.

Understanding Political Ideologies

• Political ideology is an interlocking set of ideas that forms the basis for political decision-making.

• Ideologies generally follow a spectrum between liberal and conservative:

  • Conservative Ideology:

    • Emphasizes traditional social structures and authority.

    • Advocates for limited government in public affairs, strong crime and punishment policies, and states' rights over federal power.

    • Mantra: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

  • Liberal Ideology:

    • Champions civil rights for marginalized groups and supports social justice movements.

    • Supports government involvement in public affairs, such as poverty alleviation and business regulation.

    • Mantra: "Uh, it is broke, so let's fix it."

The Republican Party

• The Republican Party (GOP) aligns closely with conservative ideology.

• Key Features of the Republican Platform:

  • Economy:

    • Belief that government cannot create prosperity and may hinder it.

    • Advocacy for deregulation and a free market approach.

  • Family Values:

    • Promotes traditional marriage as foundational to society.

  • Social Programs:

    • Advocates for welfare as a benefit, not an entitlement, focusing on personal responsibility.

  • Crime Policy:

    • Tough on crime and supports law enforcement, emphasizing justice and rule of law.

The Democratic Party

• The Democratic Party aligns with liberal ideology.

• Key Features of the Democratic Platform:

  • Economic Equality:

    • Aims to level the playing field, ending poverty and corporate concentration.

  • Universal Healthcare:

    • Supports significant government intervention for affordable healthcare.

  • Diversity and Rights:

    • Advocates for various rights, including women, LGBTQ+, and marginalized groups.

  • Preamble of Platform:

    • States that diversity is a strength and protest is a form of patriotism, promoting action to "fix it."

Complexity of Party Ideologies

• It's important not to directly equate:

  • The Republican Party with strict conservative ideology.

  • The Democratic Party with strict liberal ideology.

• Individual members may hold varying beliefs; some Republicans may lean more liberal on certain issues, and some Democrats may lean conservative.