Political Ideology- where our personal beliefs and values meet our political decisions
But how do we create an ideology?
In order to understand this, we will take a look at a crash course video. We will then take a look at the different political parties in America, what their values are and where you lie on the political spectrum.
But first take out a sheet of paper and create a Venn diagram. While you watch the video, find some differences and similarities between the left and right side of the political spectrum. Also, write down the main four things that influence your political ideology.
But first take out a sheet of paper and create a Venn diagram. While you watch the video, find some differences and similarities between the left and right side of the political spectrum. Also, write down the main four things that influence your political ideology.
Next, use the picture below to finish your Venn diagram. What are some interesting things you are finding?
How do political parties fit into this?
Using the websites below, figure out where you lie on the spectrum and what party seems to fit your political ideology.
Fun Facts: History of Political Parties in the US
Politics hasn't always been Democrat vs Republican. Here is a look at the different political parties over the course of American History.
1792–1824: Federalist Party vs. Democratic-Republican Party
Federalist favored a strong central government, ties with Great Britain, and central national bank. Democratic- Republicans favored state centered government. The Federalist party would loose favor around 1826 while the Democratic-Republican Party would split.
Federalist favored a strong central government, ties with Great Britain, and central national bank. Democratic- Republicans favored state centered government. The Federalist party would loose favor around 1826 while the Democratic-Republican Party would split.
1828–1854: the Modern Democratic Party vs the Whig Party
After the split between the Democratic-Republicans, we see the Modern Democratic Party form from its split. This party favored the presidency and did not like the centralized bank or policies for modernization (industrial revolution). The Whig Party favored Congress and did like the central bank and policies that helped industry grow. The Whig Party would eventually fall a part due to death in leadership and divide on the issue of slavery
After the split between the Democratic-Republicans, we see the Modern Democratic Party form from its split. This party favored the presidency and did not like the centralized bank or policies for modernization (industrial revolution). The Whig Party favored Congress and did like the central bank and policies that helped industry grow. The Whig Party would eventually fall a part due to death in leadership and divide on the issue of slavery
1854-1890s: Republican Party vs. Democratic Party
The main issue at this point was slavery. Republicans held an anti-slavery platform and also adopted a lot of the Whig party. The Democrats were pro-slavery. These parties were polarized until the end of Reconstruction.
The main issue at this point was slavery. Republicans held an anti-slavery platform and also adopted a lot of the Whig party. The Democrats were pro-slavery. These parties were polarized until the end of Reconstruction.
1896–1932: Republicans vs Democrats again
The parties at this point are the same but the issues definitely change. The focus was on \large corporations ("trusts"), the role of labor unions, child labor, corruption in party politics, racial segregation, efficiency in government, women's suffrage, and control of immigration with Republicans supporting a progressive agenda. During this time, we also had the Progressive Party which became known as the Bull-Moose Party (my favorite name of a party).
The parties at this point are the same but the issues definitely change. The focus was on \large corporations ("trusts"), the role of labor unions, child labor, corruption in party politics, racial segregation, efficiency in government, women's suffrage, and control of immigration with Republicans supporting a progressive agenda. During this time, we also had the Progressive Party which became known as the Bull-Moose Party (my favorite name of a party).
1933-present: Republicans vs. Democrats
Another flip of issues and agendas. Republicans lost a lot of support after the Great Depression leading to the rise of the Democratic party who favored ideas such as a strong central government with governmental programs (liberal). Republicans do not like government control and tend to be more conservative. Other major parties in the US include the Constitution Party (Belief in the founding father's original intent in the constitution), Green Party (promotes the environment and non-violence as main issues) and Libertarian party (reduce government).
Another flip of issues and agendas. Republicans lost a lot of support after the Great Depression leading to the rise of the Democratic party who favored ideas such as a strong central government with governmental programs (liberal). Republicans do not like government control and tend to be more conservative. Other major parties in the US include the Constitution Party (Belief in the founding father's original intent in the constitution), Green Party (promotes the environment and non-violence as main issues) and Libertarian party (reduce government).