Political Ideologies

Definition

a comprehensive set of beliefs including desirable political goals together with the best ways to achieve these goals
focused on the role of the state or "what the state should be doing"
considers the characteristics of the individual, society and its view of equality

Three Elements

Philosophy - core beliefs; fundamental or basic assumptions; nature of individual including their view of the "ideal society"
Program/Platform - begins with a fundamental assessment or diagnosis of the major problems of society followed by certain prescriptions on the role of the government based on the vision of the "ideal society"
Propaganda - the manner of forming a movement revolving around that ideology and how they will go about the recruitment, information dissemination and organization that will spearhead that ideology

Classical Liberalism

L. liber- "free"

The individual has natural (since born you already have it) and inalienable (no one can take it away) rights. For liberals, people are naturally rational and their activities are based on a notion of self-interest.
The society is nothing more than the sum of all individuals and it has no right to restrict human freedom.
Political equality, meaning equality before the law, and equal opportunities are valued.
"ideal society" - Everyone is politically equal with equal opportunities.
The government's role is very minimal. It just has to make sure that the rights of citizens are protected. That is why a well-functioning judiciary is essential.

Conservatism

conservare- "to preserve"

Individuals are inherently unequal in intelligence, skills and status. For them, people are not completely rational and the main basis of decisions are in traditional culture, social hierarchy and moral values.
The society is organic--a social organism that is composed of interdependent parts. It's important that everyone performs his or her part accordingly in order to maintain social order and stability.
Inequality is natural and desirable.
"ideal society" - Everyone does his or her part. A problem arises whenever social change is pushed because of individualism.
The government's role is big when it comes to culture, but small when it comes to the economy. The rich are assumed to perform "noblesse oblige" or obligation of the nobility to help the poor people.

Socialism

Individuals are social and caring by nature. However, the current environment (capitalism) makes people selfish and aggressive.
Inequality is not natural and not desirable.
"ideal society" - Everyone is cooperative and completely equal.

There are two types of socialism based on how they obtain their goals

Marxist-Leninist Socialism - This one starts with a complete and violent overthrow of the current system (pretty scary). Then, since there is still resistance from the capitalists, there would of course be a need for a dictatorship of the proletariat until the state "slowly withers away" until there is complete equality.
Democratic Socialism - This one starts with a party based on the tennets of socialism, then they will build an electoral-based foundation. Mass education to the people will follow to gain support. When they win the elections, that's when they will move to significantly lessen inequality in society.