Glossary
Conservatism
A political ideology emphasizing traditional values, limited government intervention in the economy, and individual responsibility.
Example:
Someone who believes in free markets and the right to bear arms is often associated with conservatism.
Democratic Party
One of the two major political parties in the U.S., generally associated with left-wing or liberal ideologies.
Example:
The Democratic Party often advocates for policies like increased social welfare programs and environmental protection.
Green Party
A third party in the U.S. focused on environmentalism, social justice, non-violence, and grassroots democracy.
Example:
The Green Party often proposes policies like a rapid transition to renewable energy and single-payer healthcare.
Ideological spectrum
A range of political beliefs, typically represented from left to right, that helps categorize different political ideologies.
Example:
Understanding the ideological spectrum helps explain why different political parties hold opposing views on issues like government spending.
Left-Wing (Liberal)
A position on the ideological spectrum that emphasizes social equality, government intervention to solve problems, and progressive change.
Example:
Policies aimed at wealth redistribution or expanding social safety nets are typically considered Left-Wing (Liberal).
Liberalism
A political ideology emphasizing social equality, government intervention to address societal problems, and progressive change.
Example:
A person who supports universal healthcare and stricter environmental regulations likely aligns with liberalism.
Libertarian Party
A third party in the U.S. that advocates for maximum individual liberty and minimal government intervention in both economic and social spheres.
Example:
The Libertarian Party would likely support the legalization of drugs and a non-interventionist foreign policy.
Moderate
A political position that falls in the center of the ideological spectrum, incorporating a mix of liberal and conservative views.
Example:
A politician who supports some government regulation but also advocates for tax cuts might be considered a moderate.
Political parties
Groups of people who come together to elect candidates to public office and influence public policy.
Example:
In the U.S., the political parties of Democrats and Republicans compete fiercely for control of Congress.
Republican Party
One of the two major political parties in the U.S., generally associated with right-wing or conservative ideologies.
Example:
The Republican Party typically champions policies such as lower taxes, reduced government spending, and a strong national defense.
Right-Wing (Conservative)
A position on the ideological spectrum that emphasizes traditional values, limited government, and individual responsibility.
Example:
Calls for deregulation and increased military spending are often associated with the Right-Wing (Conservative).
Two-party system
A political system in which two major political parties dominate the government and electoral process.
Example:
The United States operates under a two-party system, making it challenging for third parties to gain significant electoral success.