Political Ideology

Democratic Party

one of the two major political parties in the U.S., founded in 1828; For the last 100 years, the Democrats have tended to be the more left-leaning or liberal party in U.S. government. That means that Democrats tend to support advocates social and economic equality, along with the welfare state. It pursues a mixed economy by providing government intervention and regulation in the economy.

Republican Party

one of the two major political parties in the U.S., founded in 1854; considered the more right-leaning or conservative party in U.S. government. Republicans tend to support free market capitalism, free enterprise, business, a strong national defense, deregulation, restrictions to labor unions, socially conservative policies and traditional values, usually with Christian overtones.[

progressive

one who favors or advocates progress, change, improvement, or reform; the terms progressive and liberal are sometimes used interchangeably

moderate

someone who doesn't hold views on the far edges of the political spectrum; a political moderate will often be open-minded about ideas from the opposition parties, and they generally aren't very partisan on many issues.

"right-wing"

the part of a political group that consists of people who support conservative or traditional ideas and policies

"left-wing"

the part of a political group that consists of people who support liberal or socialist ideas and policies

political socialization

the process by which people gain their political attitudes and opinions.

conservative

believe in personal responsibility, limited government, free markets, individual liberty, traditional American values and a strong national defense. Believe the role of government should be to provide people the freedom necessary to pursue their own goals. Conservative policies generally emphasize empowerment of the individual to solve problems.

political ideology

belief systems that provide people with a perspective on the proper role of elected officials, which types of public policies should be prioritized, and how the various elements of society should be arranged.

liberal

believe in government action to achieve equal opportunity and equality for all. It is the duty of the government to alleviate social ills and to protect civil liberties and individual and human rights. Believe the role of the government should be to guarantee that no one is in need. Liberal policies generally emphasize the need for the government to solve problems.