conservative (right)
Favoring free enterprise, private ownership, and socially traditional ideas. Tends to favor limited government, accepts social inequalities, and emphasizes personal freedom.
liberal (left)
A supporter of policies that are socially progressive (in favor of change) and promote social welfare. Tends to favor more government control and equality in society and economy.
political ideology
a set of beliefs that forms the basis of how an individual, a group, or a social class views the world and the proper role of government.
democrats are usually associated with being _______.
liberal
republicans are usually associated with being ________.
conservative
democracy - basic info
- ppl vote on leaders and decisions, based on majority rule
- elect people to make decisions on their behalf
- political parties
- ppl have the power and rights
authoritarianism - basic info
- government has the power and control over peoples’ lives
- monitor lives of citizens
- limit access to information (media, etc)
- often manipulate elections
- strong military/police force
- often secret police
- rule with fear
- ruler becomes symbol of nation - idolized, cult of personality
types of democracy
representative democracy (US), direct democracy (ancient Athens), constitutional monarchy
types of authoritarianism
totalitarianism/dictatorship (Nazi Germany, Cambodia, North Korea), military junta/military dictatorship (Chile), absolute monarchy, communism, fascism
advantages of democracy
- ppl choose leaders
- power and voice in hands of ppl
- checks on government power
- free press, individual court system
advantages of authoritarianism
- decisions/actions made faster
- no one speaks against gov’t
- individuals don’t have to make decisions
disadvantages of democracy
- takes time to make decisions b/c lots of opinions
- majority rules so some voices not heard
disadvantages of authoritarianism
- citizens don’t have a voice
- citizens lack ind. rights and freedoms
- one leader has all control
- might be more susceptible to revolution
- risk of failure
command economy - basic info
- gov’t makes decisions (what to make, how, who buys)
- gov’t decides how much to make - controls factories
- gov’t owns land
- no private ownership
- no competition
- gov’t sets prices
- central plan and goals
command economy - advantages
- Efficient b/c few choices
- Can meet goals b/c gov’t has full control and gov’t sets plan
- Community works together
- Even distribution of wealth - equality
command economy - disadvantages
• Little innovation - don’t take risks
• Likely inefficient
• May not meet consumer needs -> black market
• Consumers have little choice
market economy - basic info
• Supply and demand are central
• Individuals own businesses and make decisions (what to make, how, price)
• Competition influences products and prices
• Individual freedom
• Goal = make profit
market economy - advantages
- Not controlled - encourages innovation and individualism
- Lots of choices
market economy - disadvantages
- Unequal access to goods, etc.
- Businesses might fail
- Lack of gov’t oversight might lead to danger/risk for consumer or workers
- Could lead to monopoly
mixed economy - basic info
• Gov’t has role in some areas (military, int’l trade, nat’l transportation)
• Gov’t provides safeguards, oversight for safety
• Public and private ownership of businesses/resources
• Protects private property (copyright)
• Individual choice within some limits
mixed economy - advantages
• Encourages innovation
• Consumer get good value - safety nets
• Goods and services to where needed - less inequality than in market
• Should prevent monopolies b/c gov’t makes sure competition
• Gov’t makes sure consumers have choice
mixed economy - disadvantages
- Too much freedom -> some ppl left out (inequality)
- Could increase nat’l debt
- Corporations might get too powerful (lobby gov’t for advantage)
