Socials Studies 11

1. Political Ideologies
&
The Left-Right Spectrum

3. The Political Spectrum III

4. Totalitarianism
Totalitarian forms of government are found at the extreme ends of the
political spectrum on both the right and the left.
The state exercises total control in this form of government.
In a totalitarian regime the individual exists to serve the state.

5. Democracy
Direct democracy, where all citizens participate in government,
originated with the ancient Greeks.
In Canada, today, we practice indirect democracy through elected
representatives.
In a democracy the state exists to serve the citizen.

6. The Political Spectrum V -
The Left Wing

7. Communism
- Karl Marx and Frederich Engels wrote
the Communist Manifesto
- Proletariat (workers) would eventually
overthrow the bourgeoisie (wealthy class)
in a violent revolution
- Complete economic equality
- People work together for the common
good
- People are naturally good, so we want
success for all
“From each according to his ability, to
each according to his need.”

8. Left-Wing
- Supports change to improve the
welfare of all citizens
- Governments should play a larger role
in our lives (ex. providing social services)
- important to protect the rights of all
citizens fairly and equally

9. Socialism
- Higher taxes, more spending
- Some Crown-corporations (ie.
Canada Post)
- More government help to the poor
(welfare, pensions, child care)
- Public health care and education
- Supports unions and working class
- More environmental protection
- Progressive with social / moral issues

10. The Political Spectrum VII - Centre
to Right Wing

11. Centre
- Tradition is important, but change
must be supported if most people
want it
- Government should only step in
to improve the lives of citizens
- Law and order are important to
encourage and protect the rights
of individuals

12. Liberalism
- Government should provide services
for citizens to improve minimum
standard of living
- Balances between social freedoms
and protecting civil liberties
- Canada is generally liberal country

13. Right-Wing
- Tradition is important, and
change should be treated with
caution
- Government should play a small
role, relying on private businesses
to ensure the needs of citizens are
met
- Law and order are important to
protect society and its traditions

14. Conservatism
Two kinds of conservatism:
Social Conservatism –preserve
traditional values
-Traditional crime/punishment
definitions
-Traditional cultural / religious
definitions
-Larger military, more police (to
protect you!)
-Less government transparency;
you sacrifice some rights for your
protection and the efficiency of
government

15. Fiscal
Conservatism
– low taxes and government
debt
-Government should have
little influence on business
(“laissez-faire” = leave it alone)
- Business should provide services
for citizens
- Privatized health care, education
- Tougher immigration laws
- Low corporate tax rate
- Do not believe in income
equality; you deserve what you
work for

16. Fascism
- National pride and loyalty more
important than the individual
(nationalism)
- Strong military (militarism)
- Government controls all aspects
of life
- Enforces traditions and racial
purity
- Demands loyalty to a single
leader and single culture