The Political Spectrum Flashcards
What is a key debate in politics regarding government power?
The proper balance of government power and individual rights in non-economic issues.
What are the two ends of the political spectrum?
Authoritarianism and libertarianism.
What characterizes authoritarianism?
Significant government power over individuals, often limiting personal freedoms.
What is an extreme form of authoritarianism?
Dictatorship or autocracy.
What are the three arguments for authoritarianism?
- Strong leadership creates stability
- Experts can make better decisions than the average person
- Can act quickly in crisis situations
What are three criticisms of authoritarianism?
- Violates human rights
- Can lead to corruption
- Often plagued by inefficiency and economic failure
What characterizes libertarianism?
Prioritization of individual rights over government control.
What is the extreme form of libertarianism?
Anarchism, where no government exists.
What are four arguments for libertarianism ?
- Freedom treats people as responsible adults
- Individual rights are essential to human dignity
- Democratic participation improves government competence
- Free people tend to be happier
What are three criticisms of libertarianism?
- Too much freedom can lead to chaos
- May contribute to moral and religious decline
- Excessive individualism can erode tradition and cultural identity
What does the political spectrum represent?
A balancing act between government authority and individual freedom.
What does authoritarianism prioritize?
Order, stability, and strong leadership.
What does libertarianism emphasize?
Personal freedom, democracy, and human rights.
What challenges can arise from too much individual freedom?
Instability, moral disputes, and cultural fragmentation.
Fill in the blank: The more power a government has, the ______ individual freedoms people enjoy.
fewer
True or False: Authoritarian systems guarantee citizens’ rights.
False
True or False: Libertarianism allows for government interference in personal choices.
False
What is the ongoing debate in the political spectrum?
The balance between law and order and the protection of individual freedoms.
