The Political Spectrum

1
The Political Spectrum

• Liberal vs. Conservative
• Left vs. Right
• Democrat vs. Republican
• How much control should government have over our
  lives?

2
Why on the left and right?

• Thats where they sat in the French Assembly
  after the French Revolution.
• Radical L MR C
  Reactionary
• (Communists)
  (Fascists and Nazis)
• (Anarchists) (KKK)
• The Farther apart they are on the line, the
  closer they are to using violence

3
MODERATE
LIBERAL
POLITICAL SPECTRUM
REACTIONARY
RADICAL
KU KLUX KLAN
COMMUNIST
ANARCHIST
FASCIST
SLIDE BY JAMIE BRANDL
4
What do the terms mean?

• Liberals . . .
• See government as a positive force
• Emphasize individual rights over social needs
• Want an active government on economic issues

• Conservatives . . .
• See government as a necessary evil
• Emphasize traditional values, and have aA strong
  moral code
• Want minimal government involvement on economic
  issues

5
Lets be more specific
6
On the Left and on the Right

• Liberals
• Pro labor
• Concerned with the rights of people accused of
  crime
• Seek a balance between national defense and
  social needs
• In social issues, side with individual rights

• Conservatives
• Pro business
• Pro law and order
• For a strong national defense
• In social issues, focus on the common good rather
  than individual rights

7
www.selectsmart.com/ PRESIDENT/president.php
8
As you read the article, take notes over the
following

• What amendments and laws have been passed
  concerning voting rights?
• Describe 4 reasons why people dont vote.
• Who does vote?

9
Is Voting Important?

• A free person is one who has a voice in how they
  are governed.
• A slave is one who has no voice in how they are
  governed.
• A tyrant or a dictator is one who allows no one
  to have any voice in how they are governed

10
The Role of the Media

• How important is the medias role in American
  Government?
• Do you think there is a bias in the medias
  coverage of government and politics?
• If not justify your answer
• If so explain how this bias can be overcome

11
Ad Questions

• Who is the target audience?
• What propaganda technique is used?
• What visuals, copy, and or music is used?
• Is the tone upbeat or somber?
• Is this positive supporting their candidate
• Or negative against the other candidate

12
Scientific Polls

• Representative Sample (Lottery)
• Random Selection
• Reliable, emotionally neutral questions (abortion
  vs. murder)
• Margin of Error
• Exit Polls