Introduction to Idealogy Flashcards
What is ideology?
A set of beliefs about politics and society that helps people make sense of the world.
How does ideology influence individuals?
It shapes how individuals view government, economy, and social order.
What is the left-right spectrum?
A way to categorize political beliefs that originated in 18th-century France.
What historical event gave rise to the left-right political spectrum?
The French Revolution.
Who sat on the right side of the French parliament during the Revolution?
Those who supported the existing government and the ruling elite.
Who sat on the left side of the French parliament during the Revolution?
Those who opposed the government and wanted change.
What are the two broad ideological positions that emerged from the left-right spectrum?
Conservatives and liberals.
What do conservatives generally believe?
They are cautious about change and prefer to preserve the existing social and political order.
What do liberals generally advocate for?
They believe the current system is flawed and advocate for change.
What is a limitation of the basic definitions of conservatives and liberals?
They are overly simplistic and fail to capture the complexity of modern political thought.
What does the political compass use to categorize ideology?
Two spectrums instead of one.
What does one spectrum of the political compass measure?
Economic views, ranging from free-market economy to regulated economy.
What does the other spectrum of the political compass measure?
Political/social views, from strong government control to personal freedom.
How can ideologies be classified using the political compass?
By placing them on a grid rather than a simple left-right line.
What classification might someone who supports free markets but strict social order receive?
Economically conservative but socially authoritarian.
What classification might someone who supports government control over the economy but personal freedoms receive?
Economically left-leaning but socially libertarian.
What is a key advantage of the two-dimensional political compass over the left-right spectrum?
It offers a more detailed approach to categorizing ideologies.
What factors shape many political beliefs?
History, culture, and personal experiences.
What is the conclusion about political ideology?
It helps individuals understand the world and decide where they stand on issues.
What do both the left-right spectrum and political compass struggle to capture?
The complexity and diversity of political thought.
Fill in the blank: The left-right spectrum provided a simple but _______ way to categorize beliefs.
[limited]
True or False: Ideology is a static concept that does not change over time.
False
