The political spectrum is a term used to refer to the differences in ideology between the major political parties in the United States. Those ideas normally ascribed to the democratic party are referred to as being to the "left" of the political spectrum. Ideas associated with the republican party are often referred to as being to the "right" of the political spectrum. Many individuals have ideas on both sides of the spectrum, but generally gravitate to one side more than the other. References of people being "to the left" or "to the right" can be traced back to the French Revolution, where those deemed "conservative" sat to the right of the legislative assembly and those labeled "liberal" sat to the left.
Take a look at the characteristics below that are important to the left and the right and see what you agree with.
Left Charactersitics | Right Charactersitics
Check out the online tests below to determine were you stand.
franz.org/quiz.htm | | The Longer Test
Shortest Test/ Third Party Quiz
Check out the links below to see the views of the left and the right on some of todays hottest issues.
Left
- Gun Control
- Pro-Choice (Abortion)
- No Censorship
- Prisions Should Rehabilitate
- Pro-Privacy
- Equal Funding for Education
- Democratic Party Platform
Right
- Pro-Life (Abortion)
- Anti-Gun Control
- Prayer in School
- Prisons Should Punish
- School Vouchers
- United Nation Membership
- Anti-Flag Buring
- Republican Party Platform