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