Title: Conservatism and Liberalism
1Conservatism and Liberalism
- Any man who is under 30 and is not a liberal has
no heart, and any man who is over 30 and is not a
conservative has no brains.---Winston Churchill
Liberalism and Conservatism
2Politically speaking, what are you? Do you know?
- Are you a conservative?
- Are you a liberal?
- Are you a libertarian?
- Are you a radical?
- Are you a republican?
- Are you a democrat?
- Are you an independent?
- Do you lean to the left or to the right?
- Are you a political slug (a person who doesnt
care enough about the world around them to pay
attention to politics)?
3Conservatism and Liberalism
- Anyone who is under 30, and is not a liberal,
has no heart. Anyone who is over 30, and is not a
conservative, has no brains. - Winston Churchill
4The Political Spectrum
- Left Center
Right - ____________I_______________I______________
- Liberal Moderate Conservative
- Most Americans are somewhere in the middle and
are politically homogeneous. Only a very few are
on the political fringes. - Politicians know they can win national elections
if they attract the large group of moderate
voters in the middle.
5Should the US close
down its borders? Should the US give amnesty to
the illegal aliens already here in the US?
- The word Radical is used to describe someone
who is far to the left or to the
right.---Anarchist - Most liberals, not all, vote democrat. Most
conservatives , not all, are republicans - Some conservatives are Libertarians and will
sometimes vote for the Libertarian Party.
Libertarians believe in a smaller federal
government and more individual rights. - (isolationist foreign policy, legalized drugs)
- Some Liberals vote for the Green Party---the
Green party believes in a strong Federal
Government that protects the environment and
provides for economic and social justice. - It is rather a new idea in American politics that
most liberals are democrats and most
conservatives are republicans.
6It is possible, in fact probable, that a person
may be conservative on one issue and liberal on
another.Ex. Liberal on gun legislation and
conservative on abortion.
7Republicans and Democrats
- About one third of the American people consider
themselves a democrat. - About one third of the American people consider
themselves a republican. - About one third of the American people consider
themselves independent. It is this group that
decides Presidential elections. - This can vary a little bit from time to time as
people become dissatisfied with the party in
power.
8Well known Conservatives and Liberals
- Some examples of well known liberals are as
follows John Kerry, John Edwards, Michael Moore,
Ralph Nader, Howard Dean, Barbara Streisand,
Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Al Gore, Ted Kennedy,
Al Franken - Some examples of well known conservatives are as
follows Ronald Reagan, Rush Limbaugh, Bill
Bennett, Shawn Hannity, Ann Coulter, George
Allen, Zel Miller, George W. Bush
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10Ronald Reagan---the father of the modern
conservative movement
11Franklin Roosevelt father of the modern Democrat
party
12Conservatism and Liberalism are defined
differently from nation to nation. What is
liberal in the U.S. may be somewhat conservative
in France.
13The role of government
- Conservatives believe that the Federal Government
only does a few things well like national
defense. They believe that government should be
limited because that protects individual freedom.
They believe in personal responsibility rather
than societal responsibility. However, in certain
social issues like abortion they want government
intervention. - Liberals believe the Federal Government can do
great things and improve the nation. They believe
that government should be used as tool to solve
most of our problems especially in the areas of
equality and economic justice. (Johnsons Great
Society and FDRs New Deal)---However, when it
comes to social issues such as abortion they want
no government intervention.
14End of Part 1
- Mr. Brian Hill will do part 2
15Taxes
- Conservatives believe that taxes are a necessary
evil. They believe that taxes are too high and - interfere with peoples lives.
- Conservatives believe that people should keep
more of their money and decide for themselves how
to use it. - Liberals believe taxes should be used to even out
income and provide services for those in need. - Taxes should be used to bring about social and
economic justice. Government programs to help
those who are in needGreat Society of LBJ
16Using taxes to achieve economic justice
- Conservatives believe to tax the rich at
extremely high rates would create a society
where excellence is not rewarded. - Liberals believe that taxes should be used to
even out incometax the rich heavily so that
government can provide more services for the
poor. - Moderates try to split the two ideas---tax the
rich so a certain level of government services
can be provided for the poor, but not so high as
to discourage achievement.
17Military Spending
- Conservatives believe in a strong military and
are more likely to support large amounts of
spending for national defense. - Liberals believe too much is spent on the
military and more money should be spent on
programs that help the needy.
18Use of Military Force
- Conservatives are usually quicker to use American
military might. Neo-cons believe in policy of
preemption. - For the most part Conservatives supported the use
of force in Afghanistan and in Iraq. - Libertarians believe in Isolationism
- Liberals are usually slower to commit American
military might. - Most liberals, not all, were against the use of
American military might in Iraq.
19Education
- Conservatives believe that education is the
responsibility of state and local government, NOT
WASHINGTON. - Schools need to be tested to see if education is
taking place. - Teachers should be paid by performance.
- Parents should be able to take back some of their
tax dollars to use as tuition to send their kids
to better schools (Vouchers). Bring the Free
Market system to Education.
20Liberals and Education
- Liberals believe that the Federal Government
should play a larger role in education. - They believe that the voucher system would
destroy public education by taking away funds
from poor schools. - Want a larger investment by the Federal
government into education.
21Gay Rights
- Conservatives believe that Gays should not be
allowed in the military. - They often believe that the Gay life style is
wrong or sinful. - They believe that Homosexuals should not have
special protection under the law. (no hate crime
legislation) - They believe that marriage is between a man and a
woman and may support a constitutional amendment
saying so.
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23GAY RIGHTS CONTINUED
- Liberals would allow Gays to openly serve in the
military. - They believe that laws should be passed
protecting gays from discrimination. - Liberals believe that Homosexuality should be an
accepted lifestyle. What two consenting adults
do in their own bedroom is nobodys business. - They often believe in legalization of gay
marriages or at least creation of civil unions.
24Race
- Most Conservatives are against Affirmative Action
Quota systems. - Almost all Conservatives are against any
reparations to the families of former slaves. - Believe in the equality of opportunity not
outcome.
25Race Continued
- Many Liberals believe in Affirmative Action Quota
systems. - Some Liberals believe in paying reparations to
families of former slave
26Death Penalty and Crime
- Conservatives are more supportive of the death
penalty. - Conservatives support stiff prison sentences and
little or no parole. - Conservatives believe in giving more power to the
police so that they can catch criminals more
easily. - Many conservatives, not all support the Patriot
Act which made it easier to for the FBI to
conduct searches.
27Death Penalty and Crime Continued
- Most Liberals are anti death penalty.
- Liberals believe that more money should be spent
on rehabilitation and less on incarceration. - An individuals right to privacy should protect
them from unjust actions by the police. - Many liberals, not all, do not support the
Patriot Act which makes it easier for the FBI to
search suspected terrorist.
28Guns and the 2nd. Amendment
- Conservatives believe that the 2nd. Amendment
protects a persons right to own and carry a gun. - They believe that People kill not Guns.
- No more laws are needed to limit a persons right
to own a gun.
29Guns Continued
- Liberals believe that more laws should be passed
to make it much more difficult to purchase, own,
and carry a gun.
30Abortion
- Conservatives are Pro Life or Anti- Abortion.
- Life begins at conception or soon thereafter.
- The fetus should be protected by the
Constitution. - Abortion is murder.
- Conservatives feel that at the very least late
term abortions should be made illegal.
31Abortion continued
- Liberals are Pro Choice.
- Believe that its a womans right to choose if an
abortion is the right thing to do, and government
has no right to interfere. - Abortion should be safe, legal, and rare.
- Many liberals, not all, support a womans right
to get an abortion in the last three months of a
pregnancy,
32Drugs
- Conservatives are against legalization of any
drugs. - It is in the best interest of society that laws
discourage drug use. - Libertarians believe in smaller government and
more individual rights to they would legalize
many drugs that are currently illegal.
33Liberals on Drugs
- Liberals believe that some or all drugs should be
legal (especially marijuana). - Drug laws should be decriminalized.
- People should be sent to rehab centers not prison.
34Separation of Church and State
- Conservatives believe that prayer and religious
education should be allowed in public schools. - Religious education teaches morals, something our
country desperately needs. - The founding fathers never intended for church
and state to be as separate as they have become.
35Church and State Continued
- Liberals believe in a more strict application of
the doctrine of church and state separation. - Religious education and prayer should take place
at home or church, not school. - Intelligent design and biblical account of
creation should not be taught in public school. - Some liberals want God out of pledge (very
small number)
36Health Care
- Conservatives believe that Health Insurance
should be provided by private companies. - Conservatives believes that the US has the best
Health Care in the world because our Health Care
is not controlled by the government.
37Health Care Continued
- Liberals believe that health care is a right and
should be provided by Federal/State Government. - Taxes should be increased to provide health care
for those who can not afford it. - Liberals point to socialized medicine in Canada
and France as an example of how things should be
here in the US.
38Minimum Wage
- Conservatives believe that the minimum wage
should go up gradually, and in small amounts. - Believe that if you raise the minimum wage to
quickly, or by large amounts, you will hurt small
businesses who provide jobs.
39Minimum Wage continued
- Liberals believe that the minimum wage should be
increased quickly and by a large amount. - By increasing the minimum wage you would help the
working poor.
40The role of the Judiciary (Courts)
- Conservatives believe in Judicial Restraintthe
role of the courts is to interpret existing law
not make new law. - The Court should avoid taking the initiative on
social and political questions---Thats the job
of the Executive and Legislative Branches.
41Judiciary Continued
- Liberals believe that the court should take an
active role in shaping national policy. - The Court should boldly apply the Constitution to
pressing social and political questions. - Liberals point to Roe V. Wade as an example of
how the Court should lead on important issues to
the nation.
42Immigration
- Conservatives believe that immigration should be
limited and our borders should be sealed. - Conservatives believe that illegal aliens should
be arrested and deported. - Conservatives would point out that it cost
billions of dollars of tax payer dollars to help
many who are poor, and illegally immigrate to the
US.
43Immigration continued
- Liberals are more concerned with human rights
therefore they would not be as restrictive on
immigration as conservatives. - Liberals would point out that all immigrant
groups have added something positive to this
country. - Immigrants take jobs that no one else want
(picking veggies in Ca.) - Most Liberals would support amnesty to all
illegal immigrants in the US.
44Environment Conservatives believe that
the environment is important but not at the
expense of jobs. They are less likely to believe
in global warming. They believe that liberals
have sometimes gone too far in the name of
protecting the environment and have caused
economic losses to farmers, the timber industry,
the energy industry. Higher gas prices.
45Liberals and the Environment
- Industries should be fined heavily if the pollute
the air or water. - The government should protect wildlife and
wilderness areas. - Heavy taxes should be put on gasoline to
discourage people from buying cars that get poor
gas mileage. - The US needs to cut its pollutants by a large
margin in order to prevent global warming.
46Views on Capitalism
- Conservatives believe in the free market and
think that government should not over regulate
businesses and industry (laissez faire). Ex. They
would oppose a tax on oil company profits.
Conservatives want open markets and an expansion
of Capitalism world wide. - Liberals believe that the free market has flaws
and needs government regulation. Often liberals
want to regulate business and industry. Many
liberals supported a special tax on oil company
profits. Liberals often are not supportive of
open markets and feel that a mix of Socialism and
Capitalism should be expanded world wide.
47New Unit begins here
48Political Parties in U.S.
- What is a political party?
- A group of persons who seek to control government
through winning elections and the holding of
public office. - The United States Constitution makes no mention
of political parties. - George Washington warned the nation against the
creation of political parties in his 1796
Farewell Address. - Many European nations have multiple parties. For
example the United Kingdom has three, Italy has
five.
49What do Political parties do?
- Nomination of candidates
- Informing and activating supporters
- GoverningCongress and State legislatures are
organized by political party. - Watchdog functioncriticize policies and behavior
of other party. - Raise moneyhelp candidates in their party
50American Two Party system
- Rooted in the argument over the ratification of
the Constitution. - Federalist were led by Alexander Hamilton and
John Adams----represented rich and well born - Anti-Federalist were led by Thomas
Jefferson---represented common man.
Anti-Federalist were also called Jeffersonian
Republicans or Democratic Republicans---by 1828
they were referred to as Democrats. - By 1816 the Democratic Republicans were almost
unopposed in national politics.
51Short lived Whig party
- Whig party was created in 1820s out of people
who were dissatisfied with Democrats. - Whig party successful in electing only two
Presidents. (1840, 1848) - Republican Party founded in 1854. Made up of
Whigs and anti-slavery Democrats. - First Republican elected---Abraham Lincoln 1860.
Today the Republican Party is also nicknamed the
Grand Old Party or GOP.
52Party domination by era
- 1800-1860---Democrats win 13 out of 15
Presidential elections. - 1860-1932---Republicans win 14 out of 18
Presidential elections. - 1932-1968---Democrats win 7 out of 9 Presidential
elections. - 1968-2004 ?????Republicans win 7 out of 10
Presidential elections.
53Review
- Define political party.
- What does the Constitution say about political
parties? - What did Washington say about political parties?
- Do all democratic nations have the Two Party
System? - List 5 functions of a political party in the U.S.
54Review Continued
- What were the first two political parties in the
U.S. and what caused their creation? - By 1816 which political party was almost
unopposed in national politics? - What short lived party was created in the 1820s
from dissatisfied democrats? - Who was the first Republican elected President?
When? - What is the nickname of the Republican Party
today? - Which political party dominated the following
eras? 1800-1860? 1860-1932? 1932-1968? 1968-2004
?
55The American Two Party System
- The two major political parties in the US are
coalitions or unions of many persons of different
interest groups. - Democrats---African Americans, Labor Unions,
Hispanics, Women, Jews, the northeast and far
west, big cities, and people whose income is
below the national average. - Republicans---White males, the south and central
west, business owners, Southern Baptist, small
towns, rural areas, and suburban America.
56Third or Minor Parties
- No third party has ever won a Presidential
Election in the US. - Third parties have however influenced the outcome
of elections by taking away votes from one of the
two major candidates. (EX. The Bull Moose Party
of Teddy Roosevelt and the Green Party of Ralph
Nader)
57Some Minor Parties in the US today
- Socialist and Communist Party of
America---believe that the Free Market System is
corrupt and should be destroyed. They believe the
government should control all the major
businesses and industry in the US.
58Minor Parties Continued
- Libertarian---believe that the government should
be less involved in peoples lives. They believe
that the least amount of government is the best
government. They would believe in legalization of
many drugs.
59Minor Parties Continued
- Green Party ---relatively new party. Its major
concerns are the preservation of the environment,
nonviolence, and economic justice. - Ralph Nader was the Green Party candidate for
President in 2000. He did not carry a state, but
did get millions of votes that would have
probably gone to Gore if Nader had not run.
60Presidential Elections
- Most Presidential candidates try to appeal to the
most voters possible---this means they try to not
be portrayed as too liberal or too conservative. - The truth is that no matter who winner is their
ability to make good on campaign promises will be
limited by the Congress, the Courts, the states,
and public opinion.
61Review
- List three major groups that seem to vote
democrat. republican. - What party believes in the least amount of
government possible? - What party is based on environmental concerns?
- What party is opposed to Capitalism and wants
its destruction? - Who was the Presidential Candidate for the Green
Party in 2000? - What was the name of the Third party that Teddy
Roosevelt created to run for President in 1912?
How did he do?
62Electing a President
63Nominating a Presidential Candidate
- Each party must first pick who their candidate
for President will be. Today this is done through
a Primary System. - A Primary is an election within a state, where
citizens get to choose who they favor as the
democrat or republican candidate. These elections
take place in many states nation wide and
determines which delegates get to attend the
national conventions. - The candidates are officially selected at the
republican and democrat conventions
64Possible 2008 Candidates
- Republican Mitch Romney (Governor of Mass.),
George Allen (Senator from Va.), Rudy Guilano
(former Mayor of New York), - John McCain (Senator from Arizona)
- Democrat Hillary Clinton (Senator from N.Y.),
Evan Baye (Senator from Indiana), Joseph Biden
(Senator from Delaware), Mark Warner (Governor of
Va.), Mark Richardson (Governor of New Mexico),
John Kerry (Senator from Mass.)
65Electoral College
- The electoral college system which is used to
select our President was included in the
Constitution as a compromise between those who
wanted the people to directly elect the President
and those who wanted the Congress to choose the
President. - It allows for each candidate, with the help of
their political party, to select a certain number
of electors to represent them in each state. - The popular vote within the state determines
which group of electors will vote for that state. - The popular election is in November. The electors
travel to the capital of their state to vote in
December. The electoral votes are counted by the
President of the Senate before a joint session of
Congress on January 6. The new President is
sworn in January 20.
66Electoral College
- There are a total of 538 electoral votes.
- You can determine the number of electoral votes a
state is entitled by adding the number of
representatives to their number of Senators.
(x2ev), (Remember each state has 2 Senators).
The result of this formula is that states with
more population have more electoral votes. - It takes 270 to win---If no candidate receives
270 then the election is decided in the House of
Representatives with each state receiving one
vote. - Each state and Washington D.C.(23rd Amendment)
are guaranteed at least 3. - California has 55, Virginia 13, Wyoming 3
- The Presidential election is actually 51 separate
Presidential elections. One in each state and
D.C. - States determine how to conduct the Presidential
election within their state.( Bush v. Gore-2000) - It is possible to win the popular vote and lose
the electoral vote---Just ask Al Gore.
67Electoral College and 2004 vote
68The Election of 1800 and the 12th. Amendment
- The system by which we elected the President and
Vice President broke down in the election of
1800. - Jefferson and Burr tied for the Presidency (73
electoral votes each) when the intent was
Jefferson to be President and Burr to be Vice
President. - The House of Representatives had to decide the
election and after 36 ballots Jefferson was
elected President.
69The election of 1800 and the 12th Amendment
continued
- The 12th Amendment was added to the Constitution
in 1804. - Electors shall cast one vote for President and a
separate vote for Vice President. - In 2000 and 2004 Virginias electors cast 13 votes
for George W. Bush for President and then cast 13
votes for Dick Cheney for Vice President.
70Other Close calls
- 1824---Andrew Jackson won a plurality, but not a
majority of the popular and electoral votes. The
House chose John Quincy Adams as President. - 1876---Samuel Tilden won the popular vote
4,288,546 to 4,034,311 over Rutherford B. Hayes.
However, Hayes won the electoral vote 185 to 184.
(This was the most disputed Presidential election
in American history until the Presidential
election of 2000)
71Close calls continued
- 1888Grover Cleveland won the popular vote by
90,596 over Benjamin Harrison. Harrison, however,
won the electoral vote 233 to 168. - 2000----Al Gore won the popular vote by 537,179
over George W. Bush. Bush won the electoral
college 271-266. - Bush won the 2000 election because he carried
Florida by 537 votes after 6 million votes were
cast in that state. After the first recount Bush
was still leading. At that point Gore asked the
Florida courts to order another recount by hand
in certain counties. - The Supreme Court of the United States voted 5-4
to end all recounting of votes in that election
effectively allowing the first recount to become
official.
722004 election
- Bush received 50.7 of the 122,293,332 votes
cast. Kerry received 48.3. - Other Presidential candidates Nader American
Independent Party ,Badnarik Libertarian Party
Peroutka Constitution party Cobb Green Party.
Total from all four was 1 of vote. - Bush received 286 electoral votes----Kerry 251
one vote was cast for John Edwards. - Ohio was the key state which was won by Bush
2,796,147 to 2,659,664 a difference of 136,483
votes
73Electoral politics
- The 2000 and 2004 elections were decided by a
small percentage of voters in a few Battle
Ground StatesOhio, Florida. - We already know how most of the states will
vote---Southern states will probably vote
Republican---Georgia, Texas, Alabama, Mississippi - Northeastern states will probably vote
Democrat-New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
Connecticut - Will this be true again in 2008?
74What about Virginia???
- Virginia has not voted for a democrat for
President since 1964Lyndon B. Johnson - Bush carried Virginia fairly easily in 2000 and
again in 2004. - However, Virginia has elected two democrats in a
row as Governor (Warner and Kaine) - As the makeup of Northern Virginia changes, it
might become a democrat strong hold and change
the entire political make-up of the state.
75Review
- Why was electoral college system included in the
Constitution? - What does the popular vote within a state
determine? - When do electors vote? Who counts the vote?
- How many total electors are there nationwide? Has
it always been this number? - What is the mathematical formula for determining
the number of electoral votes for each state? - In 2008 how many electoral votes will it take to
win the Presidency? - What is a Primary? What is an Open Primary? What
is a Closed Primary? - Who are two democrats and two republicans who may
be the Presidential candidate for their party in
2008?
76Review continued
- If no candidate receives the required electoral
votes, how is the election decided? - What is the least amount of electoral votes a
state can have? - How many electoral votes does Virginia have?
California? Wyoming? D.C.? - What level of government determines how
Presidential elections are conducted in each
state? - Is it possible to win the popular vote and still
lose the election? - Which election caused the creation of the 12th
Amendment? Why?
77Review continued
- Which state determined the final outcome of the
2000 election? - What did the Supreme Court rule in the 2000 Bush
v. Gore case? What was the vote? Do you agree? - List 4 Presidential elections where the popular
vote winner lost the election. - Which state was the determining factor in the
2004 election? - When was the last time Virginia voted for a
democrat for President? Who?