Political Ideology

Political ideology is a comprehensive set of beliefs about the political world- about desirable political goals and the best ways to achieve these goals. (Danziger 28) There are several ideologies that have been established including – Conservatism, Classical Liberalism and Democratic Socialism. These three ideologies are very different and complex, but all reflect the same philosophical question of how does man react in a natural world environment.

"Conservatism attempts to prevent or slow the transition away from a society based on traditional values and social hierarchy." (Danziger 29) What this is saying in my opinion is conservatism is focused on the thought of man in a natural environment is unable to make rational decisions. In the text, Danziger points out two key assumptions about human nature. First, individuals are not consistently rational. People can be emotionally, mentally, physically or even spiritually attached to certain decisions. Next, "individuals are inherently unequal in intelligence, skills and status." (Danziger 29) This means people need direction and council from outside opinions in order to make the correct decision.

In classical liberalism the main focus of thought is placed on the individuals rights to life, liberty and property. It focuses on the individual's rights to make their own decisions independently without much government involvement. This ideology removes high government participation and places responsibility solely on individuals.

In a Democratic Socialist society, equality of conditions is the primary focus, but it "assumes that the changes can be effected by a government that comes to power and rules by democratic means, not by violence and repression." (Danziger 34) This ideology focuses mainly on the government's acting as a welfare state and implementing policies and procedure that affect the people's lives including: disease, want, squalor,

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