Unit 5: Major Political Ideologies

The belief systems that shape the political world.

1. Liberalism: Classical and Modern
2. Socialism: Evolutionary and Revolutionary
3. Marxism: Historical Materialism and Class Struggle
4. Fascism and Anarchism (Brief Overview)
5. Exam Focus: Comparative Analysis

1. Liberalism

Liberalism is centered on the value of the Individual and their liberty. It is the dominant ideology of the Western world.

Classical Liberalism (Locke, Smith): Advocates for a "Night-watchman state" (limited government), free-market capitalism, and maximum individual autonomy.
Modern/Social Liberalism (Mill, Rawls): Argues that the state should intervene to ensure social justice and provide a "level playing field" (education, healthcare).

2. Socialism

Socialism emerged as a critique of the inequalities produced by capitalism. It prioritizes the Collective and Equality over individual competition.

Core Belief: Public ownership or regulation of the means of production to prevent exploitation.
Social Democracy: A moderate form that seeks to achieve socialist goals through democratic means within a capitalist framework (the "Nordic Model").

3. Marxism

Marxism is a specific, revolutionary form of socialism developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. It views history as a series of Class Struggles.

Key Concepts:

Historical Materialism: The economic "Base" (how we produce things) determines the social "Superstructure" (law, religion, culture).
Surplus Value: The profit taken by the capitalist (Bourgeoisie) which is actually created by the worker (Proletariat).
Classless Society: The ultimate goal where the state withers away and resources are distributed "from each according to his ability, to each according to his need."

Summary Table: Ideological Comparison

Ideology	Primary Value	View of the State	Economic Model
Liberalism	Individual Liberty	Limited / Neutral	Capitalism
Socialism	Equality / Community	Instrument for Justice	Mixed / Public Control
Marxism	Classless Society	Instrument of Oppression	Communal Ownership

Exam Essentials

Marx's Base/Superstructure: Be able to draw or explain this relationship for a 10-mark question.
Liberalism vs. Socialism: A very common comparison essay topic. Focus on their differing views on Private Property and Liberty.
Historical Materialism: Remember that for Marx, the economic conditions of a society are the foundation of everything else.
Key Slogan: "Workers of the world, unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains." (The Communist Manifesto).