THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?

ARE YOU LEFT, RIGHT OR MODERATE?

LEFT OF MODERATE

Liberal – (Left) • Government should play a big role in “social

reform” and well-being.– Focus on issues such as poverty, education, and

environment• Favor change; sometimes called “progressive”

Democrats

RIGHT OF MODERATE

Conservative (Right Wing)• Government should stay out of the lives of

citizens and businesses.• Exception: Moral issues/”family values”– Example: Abortion, Gay Marriage

• Favor status quo• Resistant to change• Want to work within system

Republicans

MODERATE

Moderate (Middle)• Opinions fall between left and right• Tolerant of multiple view points• Not extreme about issues

Example: Independent, Undeclared

Far LeftRadical (Far Left)…• Favor fundamental changes• Want to reverse the domination of the

wealthy over poor• Often support highly centralized government• Want a total overhaul of the system

Example: Communist

Far Right

Reactionary (Far Right)• Advocate return to a historical system.• Very traditional views on who should have power.• Often very religious, moralistic and/or ideological.• Will use extreme measures (such as violence) to

reinforce laws power.

Examples: Dictatorships, Absolute Monarchies, Oligarchies (e.g. Taliban)

TAKE A MOMENT TO APPLY THIS NEW IDEA…

• Imagine that your house is a country and your parents are the leaders. What type of leaders are they?– Radical– Liberal– Moderate– Conservative– Reactionary

• Explain your choice in one sentence. Then… share your response with a neighbor.

LIBERAL CONSERVATIVE

CHANGE TRADITION

PROBLEMS CIRCUMSTANTIAL

PROBLEMS ARE INDIVIDUAL

GOV’T RESPONSIBLE FOR CHANGE

GOVERNMENT SHOULD GET OUT OF THE WAY

EQUALITY AND FAIRNESS! PERSONAL FREEDOMS, ESPECIALLY ECONOMIC

HUMAN RIGHTS PROPERTY RIGHTS

VALUES ARE “RELATIVE” MORAL ABSOLUTES

Where do you stand on the issues?

• For each of the following issues, explain whether you are on the “left” or the “right.”

MORALITY/IDEOLOGIES…

CHANGE

PRO-CHOICE

GAY MARRIAGE

FREEDOM OF SPEECH AT ALL

COSTS

TRADITION

PRO-LIFE

HETEROSEXUAL MARRIAGE ONLY, “FAMILY VALUES”

FREEDOM OF SPEECH WITH

LIMITS

PROBLEMS IN SOCIETY

CIRCUMSTANTIAL

WELFARE PROGRAMS

HEALTH CARE FOR EVERYONE

DRUG REHABILITATION

PROGRAMS

INDIVIDUAL

LIMITS ON WELFARE

PRIVATE HEALTH CARE

TOUGH ON CRIME

ROLE OF GOVERNMENTGOV’T

RESPONSIBLE FOR SOCIAL REFORM

MORE EDUCATION FUNDING

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FOR

POOR AND MINORITIES

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

GOV’T SHOULD BE LESS INVOLVED

SCHOOL CHOICE PROGRAMS AND

CHARTER SCHOOLS

ENCOURAGE CHARITY AND

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

DE-REGULATION

RIGHTS

HUMAN RIGHTS

ENVIRONMENT

ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

CRIME PREVENTION AND

REHIBILITATION

PROPERTY RIGHTS

PRO-BUSINESS

TAX CUTS

TOUGH ON CRIME; DEATH

PENALTY