Political Spectrum Assignment: Political ideologies are generally classified as falling along the five points on the political spectrum. To become a functioning citizen within a democracy, it is essential that you develop a political identity of your own. This activity tests your political identity to see if it is consistent with what you think. Review the political spectrum and write a brief paragraph below on where you think you are on the political spectrum based on the descriptions. Circle the number on the answer sheet (next page) that most accurately reflects your feeling on each statement. 1. The U.S. government should not have such strict laws protection the environment. 2. The U.S. government should not have such strict consumer protection laws. 3. The U.S. government should not require companies to hire women and minority employees as a certain percentage of their total workforce. 4. The Department of Education should not be a separate Cabinet post. 5. Voluntary prayer and Scripture reading should be allowed in public schools. 6. The U.S. government should not pay the cost of abortions for women on welfare. 7. The U.S. government should not restrict the ownership on handguns. 8. The U.S. government should try to overthrow unfriendly governments (such as that of Iraq) anywhere in the world. 9. The current level of defense spending should not be reduced. 10. The U.S. government should encourage further development of nuclear energy. 11. The U.S. government should reduce spending on social welfare programs. 12. The U.S. government should be required to operate on a balanced budget. 13. The size of government should be required to operate on a balanced budget. 14. There should be a federal law outlawing abortions. 15. The U.S. government should pass tougher laws to punish criminals. 16. Capital punishment should be used in all states. 17. States should be allowed to set their own speed limits. 18. The U.S. government should not place so many safety regulations on industry. 19. The U.S. government should build more prisons and spend less on anti-poverty programs. 20. The U.S. government should not allow gay people to serve in the military. Agree Strongly Agree Disagree Disagree Strongly 1. 4 3 2 1 2. 4 3 2 1 3. 4 3 2 1 4. 4 3 2 1 5. 4 3 2 1 6. 4 3 2 1 7. 4 3 2 1 8. 4 3 2 1 9. 4 3 2 1 10. 4 3 2 1 11. 4 3 2 1 12. 4 3 2 1 13. 4 3 2 1 14. 4 3 2 1 15. 4 3 2 1 16. 4 3 2 1 17. 4 3 2 1 18. 4 3 2 1 19. 4 3 2 1 20. 4 3 2 1 Calculations for Survey: 1. Count the Total Number of: 4s circled ______ X 4 = ______________ 3s circled ______ X 3 = ______________ 2s circled ______ X 2 = ______________ 1s circled ______ X 1 = ______________ 2. If Your Total Is Between: 20-29, the survey indicates you are Radical 30-45, the survey indicates you are Liberal 46-55, the survey indicates you are Moderate 56-70, the survey indicates you are Conservative 71-80, the survey indicates you are Reactionary Based on the information you now have about where you are on the spectrum, write a onepage paper describing which point best represents your beliefs and why. Maybe you were surprised with where you were placed or maybe it fit exactly with what you thought. Perhaps you like a little of this party, and a little of that party. These are all points to include in your paper. Political Spectrum Radical Liberal/Left Moderate/Center Conservative/Right Reactionary Government is the answer to our problems - more government. Individuals are the answer to our problems - less government. Radical Key Values: 1.CHANGE NOW! 2. Favor radical reorganization of wealth and power to achieve equality of condition. Reactionary Key Values: 1. HATE CHANGE 2. Want to roll back the clock and go back to the good old days. Democrat Key Values (Liberal): 1.Promoting the "common/community good" 2. Solving social problems through active government 3. Powerful federal (central) govt. 4. Regulation of industry to promote equality 5. Support worker's rights 6. Reform outdated social roles and institutions 7. Change is usually good Republican Key Values Conservative): 1. Protect individual rights to property and freedom 2. Solve social problems through individual responsibility 3. Limited federal government 4. "Laissez-faire" govt. = industrial efficiency 5. Pro Business 6. Maintain traditional roles and institutions 7. Tradition is usually good
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