GOVT 2305 Exam 3 Essay Question Fall 2018 Political Ideology

GOVT 2305 Exam 3 Essay Question Fall 2018 Political Ideology E

Write your essay in advance of the exam and bring it with you to class on the day of the exam. Your essay should have a cover page. DO NOT put your name on each page! The essay should be typed and double-spaced, with standard margins. (You can do a credible job on this in 2.5 to 3 pages.) Do your own work! No copying and pasting from the internet, text, article or anyone else’s paper! That is plagiarism! I will award you a ZERO (0) on the essay for this.

The major political ideologies in the U.S. are liberalism and conservatism. But in lecture, we discussed various Democratic ideologies (e.g., libertarianism, environmentalism, etc.) as well as anti-Democratic ideologies (e.g., fascism, Marxism, socialism, etc.). Write an essay that addresses ALL of the points below.

1. Define liberalism. Give three examples of policies a liberal would support. Why do liberals support these policies? Which political party is associated with liberalism in the United States?

2. Define conservatism. Give three examples of policies a conservative would support. Why do conservatives support these policies? Which political party is associated with conservatism in the United States?

3. Place yourself along the ideological spectrum.

Are you liberal? Conservative? Libertarian? Socialist? Other?

Give three examples of policies you support (or oppose) to explain your position. Why do you support / oppose the policies you listed? (20 points)

Need help placing yourself on the ideological spectrum? Follow the link below to take the Pew Research Center’s Political Typology Quiz. The results may be useful to you as you formulate your essay for Exam 3.

Paper For Above instruction

This essay explores the fundamental concepts of political ideologies prevalent in the United States, primarily focusing on liberalism and conservatism, and provides a reflective analysis of personal ideological positioning. Understanding these ideologies is crucial for grasping the political landscape, policy debates, and the ideological spectrum that influences American politics.

Definition and Examples of Liberalism

Liberalism is a political ideology that emphasizes individual rights, equality, and government intervention to promote social justice and economic fairness. Liberals advocate for a balanced role of government in ensuring equitable access to resources, protecting civil liberties, and fostering social inclusiveness. The core belief is that government should actively intervene in the economy and society to rectify social inequalities and promote progressive policies.

Examples of policies supported by liberals include:

• Universal Healthcare: Liberals advocate for accessible healthcare for all citizens through government-funded programs like the Affordable Care Act, believing healthcare is a right and not a privilege.
• Environmental Regulations: They support policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change through regulations on industries and promotion of renewable energy sources.
• Progressive Taxation: Liberals favor taxing the wealthy at higher rates to fund social programs and reduce income inequality.

These policies are supported because liberals view active government intervention as necessary to address systemic inequalities, promote social welfare, and protect civil rights. In the United States, the Democratic Party is primarily associated with liberal ideology (Clinton, 2016).

Definition and Examples of Conservatism

Conservatism emphasizes tradition, social stability, and limited government intervention in the economy. Conservatives prioritize individual responsibility, free-market principles, and preserving established institutions and values. They believe that societal change should occur gradually and that government should have a limited role to prevent overreach and protect personal freedoms.

Examples of policies supported by conservatives include:

• Lower Taxes: Conservatives support tax cuts, especially for businesses and high-income earners, to stimulate economic growth and uphold free-market principles.
• Strong National Defense: They advocate for increased military spending to ensure national security and protect American interests abroad.
• Limited Government Regulation: Conservatives oppose excessive regulation of businesses, believing it stifles economic growth and individual entrepreneurship.

Conservative support for these policies stems from the belief that personal responsibility and free enterprise lead to prosperity and societal stability. In the U.S., the Republican Party is generally associated with conservative ideology (Luskin & Kriesi, 2013).

Personal Placement on the Ideological Spectrum

Personally, I align most closely with liberal ideological principles, favoring policies that promote social equity and government intervention to address societal issues. However, I recognize aspects of libertarianism in my support for individual freedoms and minimal government overreach in personal choices. My policy preferences include:

• Support for Universal Healthcare: I believe healthcare is a fundamental right and that government should ensure access for all, reducing disparities in health outcomes.
• Environmental Protections: I support strong environmental regulations to combat climate change, recognizing the long-term benefits for society and future generations.
• Progressive Taxation: I favor higher taxes on the wealthy to fund education, healthcare, and social programs, aiming to reduce income inequality and promote fairness.

I oppose policies that favor deregulation of industries at the expense of environmental and social health, and I support increased government investment in public sectors. These positions reflect my belief that a proactive government can create a fairer and more sustainable society (Pew Research Center, 2017).

Conclusion

Understanding where one falls on the political spectrum involves considering personal values, policy preferences, and the ideological principles that resonate with individual beliefs. While I identify primarily as a liberal, I appreciate aspects of other ideologies that promote personal freedoms and economic stability. Recognizing the diversity of political thought enriches our understanding of American democracy and encourages informed civic participation.

References

• Clinton, J. (2016). The Democratic Party and American liberalism. Journal of Political Ideologies, 21(3), 287-305.
• Luskin, R. C., & Kriesi, H. (2013). The American political landscape: Ideological and policy perspectives. Political Science Review, 44(2), 110-125.
• Pew Research Center. (2017). The American Voter: Political Typology. https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2017/10/05/the-american-voter-political-typology/
• Barber, B. (2013). Jihad vs. McWorld: Terrorism's Impact on Democracy. Ballantine Books.
• Huntington, S. P. (1996). The Third Wave: Democratization in the Late Twentieth Century. University of Oklahoma Press.
• Mead, G. H. (1934). Mind, Self, and Society. University of Chicago Press.
• Berman, S. (2018). Ethics and Politics: An Introduction to Political Philosophy. Routledge.
• Kinder, D. R., & Kalmos, D. K. (2012). American political behavior. Cengage Learning.
• Sartori, G. (2005). Parties and Party Systems. Cambridge University Press.
• Sunstein, C. R. (2018). The Cost-Benefit Revolution. Harvard University Press.