What are Ideologies?

v Definition- A set of beliefs and values about how society should be organized (and the role of Gov.).

v Ideologies influence the way we think and act as citizens.

v Ideologies have been and continue to be very influential in our world.

The Main Ideologies

v 1) Liberalism v 2) Conservatism v 3) Socialism and Communism v 4) Nationalism

v *There are subdivisions and variations within each ideology.

v Main Beliefs: �  Individual Freedom (eg. freedom of speech,

religious freedom etc.). �  Government should not have too much

power. �  Equal rights for everyone. �  Government gets its power from the people

(Leaders must be elected). �  Generally, support more government �  Tend to support social programs, some

government intervention in the economy, pro immigration, progress on social issues

Liberalism

v Main Beliefs: �  Things should stay the same (status quo) �  Keeping things the way they are helps

society to remain stable and structured. �  Any change that is made must be thought

through carefully. �  Modern day conservatives support many of

the points of liberalism. �  Generally, prefer less government �  Tend to support strong military, free market,

less regulation, less taxes, less social programs

Conservatism

v Main Beliefs: �  Government should plan the economy. �  Private ownership of land should be limited

(government should own factories, transportation, stores etc).

�  Focus on working class people. �  Everyone should have the same

opportunities. �  Government must be very strong and

centralized.

Socialism and Communism

Differences

v Socialism �  Socialists support

democratic elections and multiple political parties.

�  They also do not take the main points to the extreme as evident in communism (eg. They reject intimidation and violence).

v Communism v Communists are against

democracy; they support a one party state (country); they will use fear and military force to control their country (violence moves history).

v Nationalism is a feeling of loyalty and pride towards one’s nation

v Many different extremes: �  Eg. Canadian Men’s and Women’s hockey

team both won gold medals at the 2012 Olympics

�  Eg. Germany under Hitler

Nationalism

The Political Spectrum

v The political spectrum is a way of placing different beliefs on a horizontal scale with positions of left, centre and right.

v The right side of the spectrum is most opposed to change. The left side is most in favour of change.

v The spectrum originated in France many years ago. Those most loyal to the king sat to his right. Those who were least loyal to the king sat to his left.

Left Centre Right Communism Socialism Liberalism Conservatism Nationalism

Canada and Ideologies

v In Canada, we are a pluralist society which means we allow different beliefs and values (ideologies) to exist within our country.

v However, liberalism is still the most dominant ideology within our country and is supported by each mainstream political party.

v “Crash Course” Political Ideology Video: �  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_k_k-

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BINGO

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Make a chart like this!

•  Democracy •  Communism •  Capitalism •  Governor General •  Head of State •  Parliament •  Senate •  House of Commons •  Executive Branch •  Legislative Branch •  Judicial Branch •  Conservatism

•  Caucus •  Socialism •  Government •  Monarchy •  Constitution •  Representative Democracy •  Speaker of the House •  Political Spectrum •  Ideology •  Direct Democracy