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Major Parties
Democrat
A member of the Democratic party. Note that Democrat is not
synonymous with liberal. There are some conservatives and moderates in the Democratic party, even if the majority of Democrats
could be considered liberal.
Republican
A member of the Republican party. Note that Republican is not
synonymous with conservative. There are some liberals and moderates in the Republican party, even if the majority of Republicans
could be considered conservative.
Variations
Conservative
One who opposes change. There are also "fiscal" conservatives, but they usually
lean more towards libertarianism.
Liberal
The word "liberal" derives from the Latin "liber" ("free") and liberals of all stripes
tend to view themselves as friends of freedom. It can also mean an openness to change and respect for individual liberties
within a societal framework in which all have equal opportunity.
Moderate
Generally, a "middle-of-the-road" set of beliefs, rather than an ideology. Moderates of both
parties usually share the traits of pragmatism, an aversion to ideology or ideological excesses, and a willingness to compromise.
Other Definitions
Anarchist
One who opposes all forms of government. Often confused
with libertarians, who share many anarchist beliefs; however libertarians still think that there should be a minimal government.
Communist
One who advocates communal ownership of all property. There is
no central government in a communist system.
Capitalism
An economic system in which the means of production (business)
is in private hands.
Democratic Socialism
Similar to regular socialism, but with a strong emphasis
on democratic decision-making, both in politics, and in the running of economic entities.
Fascist
One who advocates a very strong form of statism, a corporatist economy,
modernization, regimentation, and strong central leadership. Citizens' purpose is to serve the state. Often includes appeals
to a "glorious" past or pseudo-religious ideal, thus combining several facets of liberalism, conservatism and socialism into
an organic vision of society.
Mixed System
An economic system where the means of production are held by
the government in some industries (usually large ones) and in private hands for other industries. Very common in Europe.
Nazism
A form of fascism espoused and put into place by Adolf Hitler in Germany.
Differs from standard fascism primarily in its emphasis on anti-Semitism and eugenics.
Neo-Conservativism
A strain of conservatism that grew out of the Cold War
which is much the same as regular conservatism, but without the isolationism and with a much more activist foreign policy.
Neo-Liberalism
A strain of liberalism with its main emphasis on pragmatic
approaches to change.
"Patriot" movement
A more extreme strain of the radical right with
heavy emphasis on millenarian pseudo-Christian religious beliefs, self-reliance, weapons/militia training, and conspiracy
theory.
Populist
A segment of the American public which is strongly conservative
on social issues and very protectionist and "anti-big business" on economic issues. Pat Buchanan is the prototypical populist,
Ross Perot is a much less virulent example.
Progressive
One who actively campaigns for (liberal) change.
Radical left
Generally those who do not believe liberalism or progressivism
are approaches which do enough to change the dominant paradigm in society. Radical leftists are willing to forego traditional
ideas of individual liberty (which some of them see as simply another way the dominant paradigm keeps them down) in order
to impose programs for change. Differ from liberals in that most liberals want to keep the current paradigm.
Radical right
The strongly conservative minority of society which wishes
to solve societal problems by using the government to impose religious-based solutions to moral dilemmas.
Socialist
One who advocates government ownership of the means of production
(i.e. business). Often misused by right-wing ideologues who confuse regulation of certain aspects of the economy with government
ownership of business.
Statist
Anyone who advocates a strong central government, especially with
regard to finding solutions for societal problems. Can apply to both right and left.
