The political spectrum is a standard way to categorize political opinions from right to left, with communism and fascism at the extremes. It simplifies political debate and comparisons between parties. The right side favors smaller government, traditional values, and individual responsibility. The left side prefers a larger, activist government focused on equality and helping underprivileged groups. However, the spectrum is an oversimplification, as not all opinions fit neatly within it.

1. The Political Spectrum

2. How Do We Categorize
Political Opinion?
The political spectrum is the standard way
we categorize a person’s or party’s
political opinion.
Originating with revolutionary France, the
spectrum puts all political opinions on a
continuum, from right to left.

3. Benefits of the Spectrum
Makes it easy to categorize and describe a
person’s political position.
Simplifies political debate.
Makes comparisons between political
parties easier

4. The Extremes
The spectrum is anchored and defined by its
extreme ends.
Extreme left = communism
 Government provides most services for its people
 Focus on equality
 Example – USSR, China, Cuba
Extreme right = fascism
 Enforces rules, laws and norms with extreme force.
 People live to serve the interests of the state.
 Private ownership and property
 Example – WWII Germany

5. The Right Side
Conservative policies
Smaller, decentralized government.
Focus on values, traditional morals.
Religion is often highlighted.
Responsibility on the individual.
Property rights are vital.
Law and order.

6. The Left Side
Large, activist government.
Non-traditional values.
Focus on creating equality and helping the
oppressed or under privileged.
Collective responsibility.
Equal opportunity.
Limited property rights.

7. Problems with the Spectrum
Overly simplistic.
Not everyone’s opinion on all issues will fit
within the same space on the spectrum.
Tendency to move towards the centre.
Is the spectrum really a loop? Do the
extremes meet?
Fails to deal with social and economic
factors simultaneously