1.2 TYPES OF GOVERNMENT (IDEOLOGIES) &
THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM PART II
Recap: The Political Spectrum
Recap: Ideologies/ Philosophies
Democracy
Totalitarianism
■ Socialism
■ Communism
■ Liberalism
■ Fascism
■ Conservatism
Totalitarianism’s Characteristics
■ Opposite of democracy
■ Authoritarian – power in the hands of a leader, or small group, not
responsible to the people
– control every aspect of life within a country – culture, religion,
government, and economy
■ Harsh laws and restrictions on freedoms are used to maintain power
We will look at 2 ideologies that fall within the heading of Totalitarianism…
Video: Karl Mark
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSQgCy_iIcc
Communism
■ Based on the works of Karl Marx
- One day the working class (proletariat) will unit and overthrow the ruling
class (bourgeoisie)
■ Revolution would lead to a classless society – all property and means of
production are collectively owned; economic equality
Communism Continued…
■ Gov’t tightly controlled by a
small group
– Communist governments
are one-party states- The
Communist Party
■ Many rights and freedoms are
nonexistent
– individuals only own the
barest essentials
– Censorship of radio
shows, television shows
■ Individual liberty is sacrificed
for the good of the entire state
Fascism
■ Emerged after WWI (Italy 1922, Germany 1933)
■ Focuses on the importance of the state, and the
responsibility of people to serve it
■ Country requires strong leadership, collective
identity, and military strength, to build a proud,
united country
■ Demands loyalty to a single leader and single
culture
■ Emphasis is placed on extreme nationalism
(national pride and loyalty more important than
the individual) and militarism
Fascism Continued
■ War is glorified as the
way to keep a nation
strong
■ Political opposition and
individual freedom is
forbidden
■ Government controls all aspects of life
Political Parties in Canada
■ Liberal
■ Conservative
■ NDP (New Democratic Party)
■ Green Party
■ Bloc Quebecois
– Other Registered Parties
Homework
■ Complete Life in ‘Totalitaria’ Worksheet