4.7 Ideology and Policy Making

• An ideology is a coherent set of ideas, principles, and values that guide a person or group's political views
• Ideologies provide a framework for understanding how society should be organized and governed.
• Match the concept with its definition:

  Ideology ↔️ Coherent set of ideas and principles

  Political Beliefs ↔️ Individual perspectives on issues
• A person may have a liberal ideology but hold conservative beliefs on certain issues like national security
• What is the defining principle of liberalism?

  Individual rights
• Match the ideology with its key values and policy preferences:

  Conservatism ↔️ Lower taxes, limited government

  Socialism ↔️ Social ownership, equality

  Libertarianism ↔️ Individual liberty, minimal regulation
• Each ideology's core values influence how individuals advocate for governmental actions.
• What shapes policy preferences in the United States?

  Ideologies
• Liberals advocate for higher taxes to fund social programs like universal healthcare
• What type of government does socialism support?

  Government-run industries
• Political debates are often shaped by ideological differences.
• Compromise in political debates is easier when common values bridge ideological divides
• What is an example of a policy supported by a liberal ideology?

  Government intervention
• The major political ideologies in the United States include Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism, and Libertarianism.
• What are the four major political ideologies in the United States?

  Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism, Libertarianism
• Liberalism emphasizes individual liberty and minimal government intervention in the economy.

  False
• Conservatism supports lower taxes and market-based healthcare
• What are the key principles of socialism?

  Social ownership, economic equality
• Ideologies shape policy preferences and influence political debates
• Liberals advocate for higher taxes to fund social programs.
• What is a key policy preference of conservatism?

  Lower taxes
• A liberal ideology might lead to advocating for increased funding for public schools
• How does ideology influence political debates and compromises?

  Shapes opposing viewpoints
• Polarization occurs when liberals and conservatives disagree on government intervention.
• What roles do interest groups and political parties play in shaping policy?

  Advocacy and campaigning
• The Democratic Party is often aligned with the ideology of liberalism
• Why is public opinion important in policy-making?

  Ensures accountability
• Public opinion is measured through polls, surveys, and elections.
• Shifts in public opinion on climate change have led to increased policy focus on addressing environmental concerns.
• Match the ideology with its key values:

  Liberalism ↔️ Equality, social justice

  Conservatism ↔️ Free markets, limited government

  Socialism ↔️ Social ownership, equality

  Libertarianism ↔️ Individual liberty, minimal government
• Public opinion is measured through polls, surveys, and elections
• Public opinion shapes policy decisions made by elected representatives
• Interest groups and media can amplify public opinion to policymakers.
• Shifts in public opinion on climate change have led to increased policy focus and legislative actions
• Why do policymakers consider public opinion when making decisions?

  Accountability to constituents
• Steps in how public opinion influences policymaking

  1️⃣ Measurement through polls

  2️⃣ Shaping policy decisions

  3️⃣ Amplification by interest groups and media
• By considering public opinion, policymakers can create more responsive and representative policies.
• Match the ideology with its stance on healthcare:

  Liberalism ↔️ Universal healthcare

  Conservatism ↔️ Market-based healthcare

  Socialism ↔️ Nationalized healthcare

  Libertarianism ↔️ Private healthcare options
• The Affordable Care Act reflects liberal principles.
• Ideology is a comprehensive framework of principles and values guiding political views