the political spectrum what do you believe?. are you left, right or moderate?
TRANSCRIPT
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