Warm-Up

Describe or Draw a picture of what your idea is of a

Liberal and a ConservativeLooks like, acts like, believes, etc.

Be as descriptive as possible

The Political Continuum

We all want the same things in life. We want freedom, the chance for prosperity, as few people suffering as possible, healthy children, crime-free streets. The argument is how to achieve them…

Liberal vs. Conservative

Liberal =• Democrat• Left Wing• Blue

Conservative =

• Republican• Right Wing • Red

Are you a Democrat or Republican?

http://www.isidewith.com/

Take the Quiz and learn where you stand

Are you surprised by your results?

Political Differences

Democrats Republicans

• Prefer larger government, stricter regulations and more services to be provided by the government.

• More Involvement in healthcare 

• A loose interpretation of the Constitution.  

• Believe in government action to achieve equal opportunity and equality for all.  It is the duty of the government to relieve social problems, protect civil liberties and individual and human rights. 

• Believe the role of the government should be to guarantee that no one is in need.

• Emphasize the need for the government to solve problems.

• Prefer smaller government, less regulation, most services to be provided by private companies & individuals.

• Privatized healthcare

• A literal interpretation of the Constitution.

• Believe in personal responsibility, limited government, free markets, individual liberty, traditional American values and a strong national defense.

• Believe the role of government should be to provide people the freedom necessary to pursue their own goals.

• Emphasize empowerment of the individual to solve problems.

Economic Differences

Democrats Republicans

• Government should tax more, spend more and provide more services.

• High-income earners should pay a larger percentage of their income as taxes.

• Government should tax less, spend less.

• Tax rates should not be higher for high income earners. Cut taxes more on businesses to increase revenue to build the economy.

Social Differences

• Not opposed to gay marriage, abortion and embryonic stem cell research.

• Oppose the right that everyone should be allowed to bear arms.

Democrats Republicans

• Opposed to gay marriage, abortion and embryonic stem cell research.

• Support the right to bear arms.

Where do you fall?• Have you changed your stance?

Liberals to the leftConservatives to the Right

LiberalConservative

Does your opinion change depending on whether it is a social or economic issue?

Where do you fall?Liberals to the left

Conservatives to the Right

LiberalConservative

Does your opinion change if a third “group” is added?

Moderate

Social

Democrat• Not opposed to gay

marriage, abortion, stem cell research

• Do not agree with freedoms involving gun (right to bear arms)

Republican• Opposed to gay marriage,

anti-abortion, anti-stem cell research

• Support the right to bear arms

Exit Out

Do you think your opinion of left wing / right wing changes over time? Why?