Quick Reference
POLITICS AND LAW - POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES
Political Ideologies | Parliamentary Terms | British Politics | British Law | Legal Terms
Ideologies are the sets of basic beliefs about the political, economic, social and cultural affairs held by the majority of people within as society.
absolutism. System where the rulers have unlimited control.
anarchism. Society without government, laws, police or other authority. System of self-control.
aristocracy. The privilege of social class whose members possess disproportionately large percentage of society's wealth, prestige and political influence.
autocracy. Supreme political power is in the hands of one person whose decision are unregulated..
capitalism. Right-wing political system where the principle means of production and distribution are in private hands.
communism. Extreme left-wing ideology based on the revolutionary socialist teachings of Marx. Collective ownership and a planned economy. Each should work to their capability and receive according to their needs.
conservatism. Governmental system where the existing institution are maintained, emphasizing free-enterprise and minimal governmental intervention.
democracy. Government by the people usually through elected representatives.
dictatorship. Government by a single person with absolute control over the resources of the state.
egalitaranism. Belief where all citizens have equal rights and privileges.
fascism. Extreme right-wing ideology where the existing social order is protected by the forcible suppression of the working class.
imperialism. The extension of power and rule beyond established geographical boundaries.
liberalism. Representative government, free-speech, abolition of class privilege and state protection of the individual.
Marxism. Developed by Marx and Engles, it proposes that all is subject to change and resistance to change necessitates the overthrow of the system through class struggle.
Maoism. Interpretation of Marxist communism emphasizing the development of agriculture.
Monarchy. A form of rule in which the head of state is a King or Queen.
nationalism. The unification of the state and release from foreign rule.
oligarchy. A system of government in which virtually all power is held a small number of wealthy people who shape policy to benefit themselves.
populism. Collective noun for the ideologies which demand the redistribution of political power and economic leadership to the 'common people'.
socialism. Left-wing political system where the principle means of production, distribution and exchange are in common ownership.
theocracy. Rule by the church.
totalitarianism. Government control of all activities.
Trotskyism. Form of Marxism incorporating the concept of permanent revolution.
THE LEFT
liberty. The freedom of speech and the right to dissent.
equality. A classless society with the redistribution of wealth through a welfare state.
fraternity. The communal brotherhood, working and living as one.
THE RIGHT
authority. The preservation of order through an evolved authority.
hierarchy. The continuation of the existing social order.
property. The right to private ownership.
