Political Spectrum The Language of Politics. Ideology What is it? System of beliefs or ideas nations...

Political Spectrum

The Language of Politics

Ideology What is it?

System of beliefs or ideas nations have or their political culture

A relationship between ruler and the people Individuals, like nations, have an ideology

Your placement on the political spectrum depends on…..

Your ideology what YOU think causes of the problems are AND how the

problems are solved

Political Spectrum

Definition Full range of ideas/views people may

have on any given issue or idea

Polticial Spectrum and You Placement on the spectrum

depends on three factors Are you optimistic or pessimistic about the

“nature of man”...John Locke or Thomas Hobbes?????

How much control do people need? How much change do you want in society or

the world?

Classical Political Spectrum There are many different kinds of political

spectrums For our purposes we are using a classical political

spectrum that has its roots in the Enlightenment Era Can people be trusted to govern themselves or

do they need the monarchy? So how does it tie into The U.S.?

We are talking mainly about social issues and can people be trusted to make the right decisions?

Terms for Labeling the Spectrum

Moderate Conservative Liberal Radical Reactionary

Neo Con Ultra Conservation Radical Right

Left Right

Liberal

ConservativeRadical

Reactionary

General Characterizations Left Wing

optimistic view of human nature

Group needs dominate

John Locke

Right Wing pessimistic view

of human nature Self-interest

dominates Thomas Hobbes

General Characterizations Left Wing

Less control needed

Less government involvement because people can be trusted to do the correct thing

Right Wing More controls More government

involvement to maintain order and stability

General Characterizations Left Wing

More change is good Man is cooperative A natural equality exists

w/o ranks Stress equality Want a more permissive

society Human rights have

priority Concerned with civil

liberties

Right Wing Less change is

desirable Man is competitive A natural hierarchy

works Stress liberty Want a less

permissive society Property rights have

priority Concerned with

order

This Week’s Homework

Due Next Thursday, 2/23/12Place the following political figures on a political spectrum: Newt Gingrich, Ron

Paul, Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, President Obama, Rep. Pete Stark,

Senator Feinstein,and Senator Boxer