Liberals (aka the Left) more regulation of economic (money) issues less regulation of personal (individual freedom) issues Conservatives (aka the Right) less regulation of economic (money) issues more regulation of personal (individual freedom) issues Democrats Republicans less military spending military spending gun control right to bear arms social programs to help emphasize self reliance active federal government less [federal] government
Political Spectrum LEFT CENTER RIGHT Anarchist Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary Anarchist
Visualizing the Political S
Each Point on the Spectrum Represents... An aspect of a culture's worldview A philosophical tradition Certain psychological attitudes A partisan tradition and set of positions on current politcal issues.
THE LEFT All the world over, I will back the masses against the classes - William E. Gladstone
ANARCHISM! A philosophy of socialism demanding the end of government, capitalism and religion. Revolution through Direct Action - Terrorism & Assassination Smash the State - extreme violence No planning of future society or economy Mikhail Bakunin Against all forms of authority and private property Sometimes fought Communists over who was more radical Assassinated many world leaders in the 19 th & early 20 th century Modern Anarchists
RADICALS One man with a gun can control 100 without one. - Vladimir Lenin Revolutionary - conspiracy Imaginary Future Extreme Equality - socialism Violent but methodical & rational Anti-capitalist, illiberal, intolerant Act on behalf of workers, poor & marginalized social groups Marxist or other socialist ideas
LIBERALISM Liberalism is trust of the people tempered by prudence. - Gladstone Trust in the ability of government to reform society Promote economic and social Equality Ensure Fairness through regulation, social welfare programs, progressive taxation, affirmative action Group or collective perspective Sees History as a march toward progress Strong government regulation of the economy Big Government Favor diplomacy over military force, unions over business, environmental concerns over private property rights, Gun control over gun ownership. For Abortion Rights but against the Death Penalty
MODERATES The vital center - Arthur Schlesinger,Jr. Moderation in all things -Aristotle Patriotic, Practical and Patient not ideological or partisan Value civility, compromise and flexibility Focus on problem-solving & not abstract ideas or visions Consider both sides values common-sense Easiest group to persuade but dislikes conflict Controls neither political party but is the Swing vote to win elections
The Right
CONSERVATIVISM Society is a partnership not only between those who are living, but between those who are living, those who are dead, and those who are to be born." -Edmund Burke Seeks to preserve the best aspects of society and is skeptical of change, human nature and the government More divided than are liberals paleoconservatives, religious conservatives, neoconservatives, libertarians... Value Liberty, Order,Tradition Human nature is unchanging. People with power are not to be trusted. Money is not to be wasted. Government should be small and limited. Strongly Anti-Communist Conservatives favor low taxes, a strong national defense, tough laws against crime, free market capitalism, traditional family values, are against abortion but favor the death penalty & the Right to Bear Arms
REACTIONARIES The truth is that men are tired of liberty -Benito Mussolini Demand a return to mythic, past, golden age Value extreme Nationalism, Militarism, Religious Fundamentalism, Authority, Male Superiority Believe in Inequality & superiority of their group Xenophobia, Racism, Elitism Extreme Violence - Might makes Right! In Revolt against Modernity Irrational appeal to emotion, mythical visions, vengeance, ethnocentrism, tribal, racial or religious identity Against democracy, liberalism, capitalism, socialism, individualism, minorities, free speech, women's rights and most cultural changes