Political Ideology …or, Where One Stands, Depends On Where One Sits

1. Chapter 5: Wilson Political Ideology…or, Where One Stands, Depends On Where One Sits Homework: Assignment 8 for Thursday

2. What do the terms “liberal” and “conservative” mean? • These terms refer to a somewhat consistent set of beliefs about the role of government • Political Ideology • They cannot describe every person, nor apply to every person in the same way • US 20th century – begin in economic terms • Liberal – government intervention in economy, • Conservative – free market proponents • Though these applications are inexact, we can draw broad outlines of what they mean….

3. Conservative – less control Pure Conservative Libertarian Liberal - Less control Conservative – more control Economic Line Social Line Pure Liberal Populist Liberal – More control

5. Scared to be a liberal?

7. The role of “political elites” • Elite – some segment of the population that has a disproportionate share of wealth in some area • Economic, social status, political power, etc. • Political elites • Take more active interest in politics • Often are more liberal/conservative than average citizen; and have different opinions than public • Many “publics”, and also many “elites”, means measuring opinions of either is not an exact science • Help to frame debates and promote issues to the forefront of the nation’s consciousness • Also determine the range of acceptable policy outcomes • This is still done within limits; some problems or issues in society will arise and capture the public’s attention regardless of the influence of elites

9. Conservative – less control Pure Conservative Libertarian Liberal - Less control Conservative – more control Economic Line Social Line Pure Liberal Populist - Authoritarian Liberal – More control

10. The Political Quiz.net

11. The Political Test