Chapter 3- Textbook Flashcards
What is a political ideology?
A package of interrelated ideas and beliefs about government, society, the economy, and human nature that affect political action. Each ideology provides a different perspective that is used to understand and evaluate how the world actually works. Most ideologies also provide a vision of what the world should be like and propose a means of political action to achieve their objectives.
What is the negative side of ideology?
- Extremist perspectives
- Some act as if their ideologies are absolute truths and refuse to consider criticism of their perspective –> resemble religions.
What is the positive side of ideology?
An ideology can provide some coherence, consistency, and direction to a person’s political thinking. They provide us with different ideas about the common good and how they may be achieved.
Do political parties with ideological names always reflect that ideology?
They do not necessarily reflect that ideology as they are often founded on a set of ideological principles hat may be ignored or modified for electoral success.
What does the “left” mean?
The general ideological position associated with advocacy of greater social and economic equality, laws based universal human rights rather than traditional morality, and opposition to state support for religious institutions.
What does the “right” mean?
The general ideological position associated with opposition to imposing greater social and economic equality and with maintaining traditional (usually religious-based) moral values and institutions.
In Short:
Right?
Left?
Right: traditional morality and elite authority
Left: equality and human rights
What does liberalism emphasize?
the desirability for a high level of individual freedom based n the idea of he worth and dignity of the individual. Limited government interference.
What is the rule of law?
The idea that people should be subject to know, predictable, and impartial rules of conduct rather than to the arbitrary orders of particular individuals. Both the rules and rulers should be equal subject to the law.
What is a liberal democracy?
A political system that combines the liberal ideas of limited government, individual freedom, and the rule of law with a democratic system of government based on the election of representatives.
What is classical liberalism?
A form of liberalism that emphasizes the desirability of limited gov’t and the free marketplace
What do classical liberals believe is the proper economic role of gov’t?
Is only to protect property, prevent fraud, and impartially settle disputes.
What is reform liberalism?
A version of liberalism that combines support for individual freedom with a belief that gov’t action may be needed to help remove obstacles to individual development.
Why did reform liberalism develop?
As liberal became concerned that the laissez-faire system established no to little help to develop the capabilities of workers and disadvantaged sectors of society.
Why do reform liberals believe gov’t interference is needed?
to ensure an equal right to freedom
