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