an analysis essay comparing political spectrum.  Analyze Political Ideology

Read the article by Timothy Ferris, “Conservative is not Opposite Liberal, That’s Totalitarianism”(also available online (Links to an external site.)). Using the book and the internet, construct and analyze political spectra

Draw a one-dimensional political spectrum and label the spectrum using one of the following:

1. use political parties to detail the spectrum (Libertarians, Democrats, Republicans, Green Party, Tea Party/Reform Party, Progressives/Liberals, Conservatives, Fascists, Communists, and Socialists)
2. OR, use political topics to detail the spectrum (economics, power, equality and hierarchy, liberalism, democracy, etc)
3. OR, use political issues to detail the spectrum (abortion, same-sex rights, gender politics, guns, law enforcement, environment, voting, budget, morality, etc)

• you can hand-draw and scan the diagram
• you can use software to construct the diagram
• Next, Draw a two-dimensional political spectrum (like Ferris) and label the same parties/issues as above on this spectrum
  • you can use Ferris’ diagram, someone else’s, or your own 2-D spectrum or shape
  • if you use someone else’s idea from the internet, give them credit for their diagram
• Finally, compose an essay that introduces, explains, and analyzes both spectra.
  • explain each spectra and how it works
  • compare and contrast the two spectra
  • in the conclusion determine the usefulness of each spectrum, or which spectrum is better
• Notes
  • Feel free to be unique with your 2-D diagram
  • use essay structure, introduce and source content where necessary
  • introduce content before comparing and analyzing
• Assignment is graded on quality of analysis in the essay and clarity/presentation of diagrams
• SAMPLE THESIS:
  • In order to better understand U.S. political ideology, political spectra will be introduced and analyzed.  Political issues and political parties will be placed on a 1-D and a 2-D spectrum.  These spectra will be compared, ultimately leading to a determination of which spectra is more useful for understanding U.S. political issues and parties.