THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM

1. THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?

2. ARE YOU LEFT, RIGHT OR MODERATE?

3. 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

4. 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

5. MODERATE Moderate (Middle) • Opinions fall between left and right • Tolerant of multiple view points • Not extreme about issues Example: Independent, Undeclared

6. Far Left Radical (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

7. 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)

9. 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.

11. Where do you stand on the issues? • For each of the following issues, explain whether you are on the “left” or the “right.”

12. MORALITY/IDEOLOGIES…

13. PROBLEMS IN SOCIETY

14. ROLE OF GOVERNMENT

15. RIGHTS