Introduction to Political Spectrum

Word of advice• Words’ meanings change across time, culture and even ideology.

Eg. “Liberal” Can mean

a) A person who is more socially progressive, open to change; “left”b) A person who accepts the role of government in advancing equality in

society but also recognizes the importance of individuals

Key TermsA political ideology is an organized collection of ideas and values that describes a political system, movement, or way of thinking.Liberalism is a political and social ideology that advocates government activism, civil liberties, and social reform. Conservatism is a political and social ideology that advocates limited government intervention and the preservation or restoration of traditions. Political Spectrum is a graphical representation of a scale showing the positions of different ideologies. There can be many kinds.

Terms ‘left’ and ‘right’ come from French Revolution 1789

Conservative Politicians sat on right of speaker’s chair

Liberal Politicians sat on left of speaker’s chair

Left-Right political spectrum

• Liberal Left Centrist Conservative Right

Conservative View• Values Tradition• Encourages Continuity• Discourages government

intervention• Focuses on individual

Liberal View• Values progress• Encourages Change• Accepts government

intervention when it produces greater equality• Focuses on group

UtilitarianismWilliam Bentham (left) and John Stuart Mill popularized utilitarianism – “good” is any action that produces the greatest benefit for the greatest number of people. (See any problems with this?)

Liberalism• Classical Liberalism• Analyze rationally the role of state

• Modern Liberalism• Some role for the state in promoting political, economic and social equality

Degress of Government ControlAuthoritarianim• Promotes rights of government

over those of the individual• Permits little/no opposition• Controls via military/police

Libertarianism• Promotes rights of the individual

over those of government• Advocates dissent as a means to

individual expression• Does not acknowledge

government control as legitimate

More Authoritarian (more government control)

More Libertarian (less government control)

More Authoritarian (more government control)

More Libertarian (less government control)

• Liberal Left Conservative Right

A more balanced political spectrum

More Authoritarian (more government control)

More Libertarian (less government control)

• Liberal Left Conservative Right

Different Kinds of Political Spectrums• Good interactive website

Key WordsTotalitarianism - the government assumes total control of all aspects of society and individual life.

Libertarianism - advocates maximum individual freedom and an absence of government intervention.Anarchism - all forms of enforced control and authority are unnecessary and undesirable.