Ideology

• The system of beliefs that guides political parties.

Liberal

• “Left” of center• Bigger government• Political Party affiliation = Democrat

Conservative

• “Right” of center• Smaller government• Political party affiliation = Republican

Democrat

• Pro Choice• Diplomacy over militancy • Pro Gay Rights• Supports social programs Through taxation of the wealthier• Environmental Regulations (Address climate change issues)• Supports unions

Republican

• Pro Life• Pro Defense (Militancy over diplomacy)• Pro Traditional Marriage• Emphasis on religious values• Opposes environmental regulation as it costs businesses money• Less investment in social programs (too costly, expands the

government)• Supports corporations

Independent

• Unaffiliated – not part of any political party

Pro-Choice

• Supports a woman’s right to choose an elective abortion.• Liberal view

Pro-Life

• Opposes abortion on moral or religious grounds.• Life begins at conception • Conservative View

Pro-Defense

• Belief in the investment of military strength• Prove our might by the size and strength of military• Conservative View

Diplomacy

• Negotiations with another country to avoid war.• Liberal View

Gun Control

• Stronger restrictions on gun purchases – including background checks. • Liberal view

Social Programs

• Welfare programs that support the needs of American citizens• EX: Social Security, Disability, Food Stamps, WIC, Medicaid, Medicare etc.

• Liberal View

Fascist

• Authoritarian, totalitarian government• Complete government control • Example: Italy under Benito Mussolini or

Germany under Adolph Hitler

Socialist• Shared ownership, equality (especially income equality) for all.• High taxes to support large social programs. • Ex: Norway

Denmark

Communist• Government owns all property and distributes

what is needed back to the people• Common ownership of property• No profit or large corporations • Ex: Cuba

North Korea