Post on 03-Jan-2016
PUBLIC OPINION: Ideology & the Scope of Government
WHAT IS POLITICAL IDEOLOGY??Consistent set of values and beliefs about the
proper purpose and scope of governmentPolitical Theories
Totalitarianism -- advocate unlimited power for the government to enable it to control all sectors of society
Anarchism -- oppose government in all forms Political Labels in US Politics
LiberalConservative
LIBERAL V. CONSERVATIVELiberals tend to favor a more active federal
government for regulating business, supporting social welfare, and protecting minority rights, but also prefers less regulation of private social conduct.Also known as left wing
Conservatives favor more limited and local government, less government regulation of markets, more social conformity to traditional norms and values, tougher policies toward criminalsAlso known as right wing
THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASSLiberals describe conservatives as reactionary, right-wing extremists
Conservatives describe liberals as crack-pot, knee-jerk bleeding hearts
LIBERAL OR CONSERVATIVEGovernment should not censor speech, press,
media or the internet.Repeal laws prohibiting adult possession and
use of drugs.Let people control their own retirement;
privatize Social Security.Replace government welfare with private
charity.Government regulation of business is
necessary to protect the public interest
LIBERAL OR CONSERVATIVEGovernment regulation of business usually
does more harm than good.Too much power is concentrated in the hands
of a few large companies.Stricter environmental laws and regulations
cost too many jobs.The government should help those in need
even if it has to raise taxes.Government programs like welfare
discourage people from working.
OTHER IDEOLOGIESModerates are those who lie in between
liberalism and conservatismRoughly 80% of all Americans fall into this category
Libertarians are those who wish to maximize personal liberty on both economic and social issuesPrefer a small, weak government that has little
control over either the economy or the personal lives of citizens
Radicals and reactionaries