Political ideology
What is political ideology?
A set of ideas that provides the basis for organized political action, whether this is intended to preserve, modify or overthrow the existing system of power.
What is liberalism?
An ideology that is driven by the needs of the individual in society. The needs and interest of the individual takes precedence. There is a strong emphasis on the individual in society with issues of private interest, private property taking centre stage. This is linked with capitalism.
What is democracy?
Democracy stems from two words demos meaning people, kratos meaning power or rule. Democracy is when a society based on equal opportunity and individual merit, rather that hierarchy a d privilege.
A system of government where the power is vested by the people who directly or through elective processes participate in the decision making and the formulation of laws and policies that govern their government.
What is capitalism?
A system of generalised commodity production in which wealth is owned privately and economic life is organized according to market principles (forces of demand and supply).
An economic political system in which a society means of production are owned by private individuals for the maximization of profits and capital. The distribution of goods are determined by competition in a free market
What is socialism?
The goal of a socialist society is to abolish a capitalist society based on market exchange and replace it with one based common ownership.
Socialism is a economic system which the means of production are own and controlled by the state for the benefit of the community. The aim is to produce what is needed and profit is not the main focus.
What is communism?
A classless society in which wealth is owned in common, production is geared towards human need, and the state had withered away. Allowing for spontaneous harmony and self realisation.
What are some characteristics of liberal democracy?
1. Constitutional government
2. Guaranteed civil and individual rights
3. Checks and balances in the systems
4. Regular elections
5. Party competition and political pluralism
6. The presence of pressure/interest groups
6. Private enterprise economy
What are some characteristics of democracy?
1. Free and fair elections
2. Rights and freedoms
3. Accountability of elected
4. Rule of law- all equal benefits
5. Political equality - 1 person 1 vote
6. Political diversity and multiplicity
7. Civil society
8. Free press/media- alternative source of information
9. Military elected officials
What are some characteristics of capitalism?
1. Limited government in market and economy
2. Privatization (private ownership of property)
3. Profit motive
4. Free market (focuses on supply & demand)
5. Competition
6. Rights a d freedoms of the individual (individualism)
7. Presence of classes
What are some characteristics of socialism?
1. Planned economy
2. State ownership, public ownership, nationalism
3. Production based on need
4. Cooperation
5. Want to see the re-distribution of wealth
6. Limited individualism more collectivism
7. Equality (removal of classes)
8. Social welfare (strong safety net, universal healthcare, education)
What are some characteristics of communism?
1. Classless
2. Common ownership
3. Everything in abundance
4. No more state
what do ideologies do?
1. Offer an account of existing order (what is)
2. Advances a model for the desired future (what should be)
3. Explains how political change can and should be brought about (what needs to be done to get from a-b)
Functions of ideology
1. Helps us to explain and understand that world better
2. Shapes the political system
3. It maintains or it can uproot the prevailing system
4. Acts as 'social cement' within society by unifying the values and beliefs in it
How can ideologies be expressed?
Slogans, political rhetoric, party manifestos and government policies.
What is right wing ideology?
Less involvement of the government in planning the economy
Characteristics of the right ideology
1. Belief in in religion and education as a mean of maintaining the status quo
2. Belief in tradition, stability - maintaining status quo
3. Belief in individual freedom - acceptance of human inequality as being natural
4. Acceptance of the position of the ruling class - emphasis on ownership of property
What is left wing ideology?
Greater involvement of government in the economy.
Characteristics of left ideology
1. State should own and control the means of production for the benefit of all
2. Belief that education can change people
3. The church and the state should remain separate
4. Believe that the rights and needs of the society as a whole may be superior to the needs of the individual
What is center wing ideology?
Seeks to accommodate and compromise between the two extremes