Understanding the PoliticalSpectrumThe political spectrum is a term used to show how different political perspectives relate to oneanother. Political scientists frequently illustrate that relationship by locating thevariouslabels for theseperspectives on a line extending from left to right. The center segment of the line is made up ofindividuals and groups who are strong supporters of democratic principles. As one moves outwardtoward the ends of the spectrum, one encounters individuals and groups who believe democracy is notan effective form of government and, in practice even if not in theory, they see powerful individuals asthe most effective controls in a society. Traditionally, the spectrum is outlined in the following way:Non-democratic------ --Democratic ----------------------- Non-democraticThe origins of the two most basic terms,leftandright,can be traced back to the FrenchAssembly in the period right after the FrenchRevolution, where the more liberal thinkersgathered on the left side of the chamber and themore conservative ones sat on the right.There is no simple explanation for what is aliberal or a conservative. The explanation herewill focus on the extremes of the left and right.These extremes weigh heavily _in theinternational politics of the 1930s and wereseen as a challenge to democratic forms ofgovernment.The Nazis are found on the extreme right.Hitler patterned his Nazi Party on Mussolini'sFascist Party in Italy. As a result, the extremeright is usually labeledfascist.In general,fascists are extremely nationalistic; believethe individuals should serve the state, not thereverse; believe in racism and inequality, andwant to maintain a social class system; supporta capitalist economy with close governmentsupervision; and believe in total governmentcontrol over virtually all aspects of life,including family life, religion, and the arts.They are violently anti-communist.Thecommunistsof the Soviet Unionare found on the extreme left. They promotean international revolution where nationalgovernments no longer matter; advocate aclassless society; and support a socialisteconomy in which the government owns alllarge enterprises and lays out a master plan forthewhole economy. The slogan by which all areto live is: "From each according to his ability,to each according to his needs." Support forcommunism comes primarily from theworking class and the underprivileged.However, in their attempts to carry out theirprograms, they too resort to a dictatorship thatexercises total control over all aspects of life.
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