The Political Spectrum
The Political Spectrum IB 20th Century Topics What is a
Continuum?The political spectrum is a term used to refer to the
differences in ideology between the major political parties in the
World A persons views on the issues help determine where they fall
on the political spectrum. The labels used on the spectrum are not
pure categories, but they make up a continuum, or value line, and
citizens and politicians fall somewhere on that line depending on
what they believe. 2Ask students to look for the root word of the
term continuum. (Continue)Each Point on the Spectrum RepresentsAn
aspect of a cultures worldviewA philosophical traditionCertain
psychological attitudesA partisan tradition and set of positions on
current political issues Factors That Determine PlacementTwo major
factors shape political views. The first is how much change a
person is willing to have within their society and government. The
second deals with how much government involvement in the economy a
person calls for.Others also bring in the question of how much
freedom from government authority a leader is willing to give the
people.
4These factors place a person somewhere on a grid, which can be
used to measure where a person stands in relation to each other and
the issues.The Continuum (One
Dimensional)Left______________Center______________RightAnarchy
Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Reactionary AnarchismA
philosophy of socialism demanding the end of government, capitalism
and religionRevolution through direct action terrorism and
assassinationNo planning of future society and economyAgainst all
forms of authority and private property
What is a Radical?Seen as being on the far left of the political
spectrum, radicals call for wide-sweeping rapid change in the basic
structure of the political, social, or economic system. They may be
willing to resort to extreme methods to bring about change,
including the use of violence and revolution.
V.I. Lenin: Mastermind of the Russian Revolution and Father of
the Soviet Union7Radicals Revolutionary Extreme
equality-socialismViolent rationaleAnti-capitalist, illiberal,
intolerantAct on behalf of workers, poor and marginalized social
groupsCommunism
Ernesto Che Geuvara pictured right. Che was an Argentine Marxist
Revolutionary who was instrumental in the Cuban Revolution Words of
wisdom from some famous radicalsIt is better to die standing than
to live on your knees. -Che Guevara
One man with a gun can control 100 without one. -Vladimir Lenin
LiberalismTrust in the ability of government to reform society.
Promote social and economic equalityStrong government regulation of
the economySocial welfare programs Peaceful, gradual change
Moderates May share viewpoints with both liberals and
conservatives Patriotic, practical, and patientValue compromise and
civilityConsider both sides, use common senseEasiest group to
persuade but dislikes conflict
What is a Conservative?
People who hold conservative ideals favor keeping things the way
they are or maintaining the status quo if it is what they desire.
Conservatives are usually hesitant or cautious about adopting new
policies, especially if they involve government activism in some
way. They feel that the less government there is, the better. They
agree with Jeffersons view that the best government governs
least.Sen. Barry Goldwater (R-AZ) is widely regarded as the father
of the modern conservative movement12Conservativism Seeks to
preserve the best aspects of society and is skeptical of
changeValues liberty, order, traditionPeople with power are not to
be trusted Favor low taxes, a strong national defense, tough laws
against crime, free market capitalism, traditional family
valuesAgainst abortion but favor the death penalty
What is a Reactionary?
Sitting on the far right of the ideological spectrum,
reactionaries want to go back to the way things werethe good ol
days. Often reactionaries are willing to use extreme methods, such
as repressive use of government power, to achieve their goals.
Hitlers Mein Kampf is a typical reactionary
manifesto14ReactionariesThe truth is that men are tired of liberty
Benito Mussolini
Extreme Violence: Might Makes RightIn revolt against
ModernityIrrational appeal to emotion, mythical visions, vengeance,
racial or religious identityAgainst democracy, liberalism,
capitalism, individualism, minorities, free speech, womens rights,
and cultural changes The Political Spectrum
16
Though we have discussed the Political Spectrum on a one
dimensional basis, many believe that they are overly simplistic for
today's complex political landscape. On the standard left-right
scale, how do you distinguish leftists like Stalin and Gandhi? It's
not sufficient to say that Stalin was simply more left than Gandhi.
There are fundamental political differences between them that the
old categories on their own can't explain.
2008 Primaries 2008 ElectionHmmmm. Notice how Obama, McCain and
Joe Biden switch their political views closer to the election. Why
is this? 18
