Materials for teachers 3A: Four basic political standpoints

The liberal standpoint: individual freedom first

• Key principles: personal freedom and responsibility.

• Protection of human and civil rights.

• Free trade and competition as the driving force of progress, modernisation and increasing welfare.

• Capitalism works best if left alone.

• A strong state – but one that confines itself to the rule of law.

• Generous social security benefits make people lazy.

• Personal effort and success must pay – don’t tax income and profits too heavily

Slogan: “No risk, no freedom”.

The social democrat standpoint: equality first

• Key principles: equality, solidarity, social security.

• Protection of the weak, the poor, the less privileged.

• Unless it is controlled, capitalism will deepen the social divide. There is no alternative to capital­ism, but its effects need to be controlled and corrected by political means.

• We need a system of social security to care for families, invalids, the sick, the old, the unem-ployed, and the poor.

• Solidarity means that the strong support those in need.

Slogan: “United we stand – divided we fall”.

The conservative standpoint: security first

• Key principles: security and stability.

• A strong state is important to protect the country from dangers and threats.

• A strong state rests on a modern, efficient economy.

• The deepening of the social divide should be avoided.

• The family needs special protection.

• Citizens should only ask for support if they cannot cope with their problems themselves.

Slogan: “A strong State in a healthy economy”.

The green standpoint: natural environment first

• Key principles: protection of the natural environment, responsibility for future generations.

• Our present way of life, geared to economic growth and fossil fuel consumption, is a serious threat to our future.

• International agreements are necessary to protect the environment on a global level.

• We carry responsibility for future generations, and for the whole planet.

• Small changes in our everyday lives can make a difference.

Slogan: “You can’t eat money”.