Political IdeologiesUnit 1: Introduction to Government

What is an Ideology?

Political Ideology:

• A consistent set of values and beliefs about the proper purpose and scope of government.

• How far should a government go to• maintain order ?• provide public goods ?• promote equality ?

The Scope of ISM’s

POLITICAL THEORIESTotalitarianism Liberalism Libertarianism Anarchism

More Gov’t Less Gov’t

ECONOMIC THEORIESCommunism Socialism Capitalism Laissez Faire

POPULAR POLITICAL LABELS IN AMERICARadical Liberal Conservative Reactionary

Ism’s that Favor Heavy Government

Political theoryTotalitarianism: TOTAL control• Unlimited power.• Controls all parts of society: commerce, communications,

business, labor, education, religion, sports, arts, etc.• Laws, rules and regulations guide every aspect of an

individual's behavior.• For the “common good.” – Good of the state• Communism as practiced tends towards totalitarianism

Economic theory: Marxism based

Socialism• Basic industries and means of

production owned by govt.• Common good

• Some private ownership

• Expansive social programs

Communism• All industry, production,

property owned by govt.

• Equality

• All basic needs provided by govt.

Middle of the Road

Political theoryLiberalism: based on Locke

• Natural right to life, liberty, & property

• Government exists to protect these rights

• Social contract

• Let people live

Economic theoryCapitalism• Free enterprise (privately owned businesses) • Little govt. regulation • Competition, supply & demand• Some argue that free enterprise is necessary for free

politics.

Economic theoryMixed economy• Mixes socialism & capitalism

• Government regulates private enterprise

• Social safety net

Ism’s that Favor the Least Govt.

Political theory:Libertarianism

• Opposes all government action except as necessary to protect life and property.

• Laissez Faire: No government intervention in economy and social order

• No government support of social programs.• Should be given through charitable donations.

• i.e. Churches, community

Political theory:Anarchism

• Opposes government in any form…self-governed & voluntary

• Freedom of individual is valued above all else

• Cooperative economy and government system

• Considered more “radical left-wing”

Popular political labels in U.S.

In the U.S. - GovernmentLiberalism

• More Gov’t• Nationalized Education• Social programs and spending• Pro Environment• Pro Public Transportation• Opposed to gov’t regulation of

abortion• Wildlife protection• Social programs

Conservatism• Less Gov’t• Fewer Gov’t programs• Against Regulation of Business• Support gov’t control of sexually

explicit material• Smaller government budgets• Fewer government programs• Against government job

programs

Contrasting these beliefs:

• Liberals want to promote equality with government power:• More tolerant of alternative lifestyles• Equal treatment of all individuals• Ensure racial equality• Equal access to disabled

• Conservatives want to maintain social order:• Firm police action• Severe punishment for criminals• Laws regulating behavior• Preserve traditional social relations

• Inconsistencies • Conservatives oppose government activism, yet support laws against

sexually explicit material?• Liberals favor government activism, yet oppose government regulation

of abortion?

Political parties

• Group of people that share common interests

• Organize to win elections, control govt., & influence govt. policies

• U.S.: 2 party system…2 major parties compete for power Democrats & Republicans

• Minor parties exist (Libertarians, Tea Party, Green, Constitution)

So, what’s the difference?

Democrats• Believes in using government to

fix the problems of society

• Believes government should regulate business to protect the people

• Beliefs foster larger govt.

Republicans• Believes in small government

• “Hands off” when it comes to business

• Govt. should regulate social/moral issues

Where do you stand?