Running head: POLITICAL IDEOLOGY 1

CURRENT EVENTS REPORT:

Students are expected to follow current events by regularly following news coverage of current
events from quality sources. It is crucial in helping you to understand and make sense of the issues
covered in this course. Some quality sources that I would suggest to consider are the Economist
(www.economist.com), the New York Times (www.nytimes.com), national public radio (89.3 FM),
and KPFK (90.7 FM).

As a portion of your grade, students will report on a current news item associated with the United
States. To receive full credit, students must:

[a] explain the item(5 points) and do it,

[b] in their own words (5 more points). Finally, they must,

[c] tell how it relates to a specific chapter in the text book (final 5 points). Items will come from the
print or broadcast (electronic) media. They are to be submitted to me via the e-mail as an
attachment. This 25 points is part of the “Class Participation” portion of the course.

POLITICAL IDEOLOGY PAPER

Political Ideology Paper- Write a three page, double spaced paper in which you explain the factors
that impacted the development of your political ideology. Pay close attention to race, religion and
socio-economic status. You may include other factors such as gender and region that the book also
mentions. The purpose of this assignment is to get you to think critically about how your political
ideology developed. You could begin with a discussion of what you should be, republican or
democrat, according to the statistics mentioned in the book (i.e. Latino, Catholic, from a working
class family...probably a democrat), then discuss whether or not you are consistent with the
statistics. Why or why not? A paper that merely talks about your political beliefs without an
explanation of how they came about and relate to who you are, is NOT what the assignment is
asking for. Always connect your beliefs to some part of your profile! Relevant chapters in the Sabato
and O’Connor test are: Chapter 11 (political socialization) and Chapter 12 (party identification). Any
paper shorter than three full pages will be docked points!

Papers may be submitted to me via e-mail. Please attach your paper to your e-mail as a Word
document!
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POLITICAL IDEOLOGY

Political ideology

Name

Institution

Professor

Course

Date

There are numerous factors which influence development of political ideology in the

life of an individual. The race or ethnicity affect how individual perceive about politics. Over

recent years, African American have proved to be very loyal and democratic especially to

matters dealing with voting for leaders (Chin, Hambrick & Treviño, 2013). African American

have shown their democratic during elections where they exercise their responsibility and duty
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of voting in a fair and just manner. Latinos also have the tendency to exercise their democratic

right but their relationship is not strong as that of African American. Cuban American vote

according to political parties while Mexican American exercise democratic voting. Similarly,

studies have indicated that Jewish have tendency to vote in a democratic way as compared to

protestants or Catholics. Catholics seem to be fair on economic related issues like wages or

taxes than social issues affecting society such as abortion and divorce. Religious rights are very

different from political behaviour and attitude. Religion may be conservative for their

candidates leading to republican voting (La Palombara & Weiner, 2015). When nationals

exercise republican voting, the process may lack justice as individuals are influenced by

political parties without giving leadership traits a consideration. Additionally, geographical

location can influenced development of political ideologies. Some region may be doing well

in politics having strongest and prominent leaders. This may inspire other people especially

youths to be interested in politics as they have a role model in their region. The nationals in the

coastal region are more liberal and democratic as compared to those in southern part. South has

been experiencing change in political leaders and emerging of new political parties. This is

more likely to influence republican voting. Existence of political division may affect the

behaviour and attitude of individual towards politics.

Gender influence development of political ideologies. Women over recent years have

proved to take leadership position. Women are doing exemplary good in political issues. They

have served as mentors in politics as well as role model. Generally, women seem to advocate

for political democratic on issues such as equal payment, work and equality in legal rights.

Women are also affected by heath care and education issues which are more influenced by

politics. Studies have indicated that some women prefer voting for other women in leadership

position as they understand issues affecting gender equality more compared to men (Butler,

2017). Basically, socioeconomic status influence development of political ideologies. In ideal

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world, people seem to interact according to social class or economic status. Those coming from

well up background have high probability of interacting with prominent leaders in the state.

The upcoming leaders will be ushered to politics life and get basic of leadership skills. Low or

average individual may struggle so much before excelling in politics. Republican parties are

also formed based on social and economic status. In some situation, nationals exercise their

voting rights based on wealth possession or prosperity of a candidate.

As a democrat, I came to understand voting and participation rights of a citizen through

my society which takes it as a duty for very one to be informed and involved in community

matters. Being a democrat, needs strong and consistent principles to help in maintaining ones’

integrity (Connor, Sabato & Yanus, 2015). I take part in exercising democracy through

participation in voting process. I also exercise my responsibilities and participate in national

activities such as attending conferences, political forums and public meeting held by leaders. I

cooperate with leaders towards achieving set goals and participate in community projects

aiming to improve economy of the state. Cooperation has been a key in success realisation. If

citizens are informed and involved in matters affecting their legal rights, it will be easy to

enhance democracy. Many people are looking forward to have democratic state where all

nationals have equal opportunity. Studies have shown a few cases where individual were

discriminated based on gender. Women are less involved in political matters and decision

making process (Matovina, 2012).However, women have taken a step in advocating for gender

equality in all situations. Nationals may select or fail to choose a lady who has leadership skills

because she is a woman. Women are more democratic in handling issues and should be given

a chance in political issues. Public forums regarding gender equality have exposed and

familiarised me with gender relating issues.

Understanding protection principles for all nationals is very crucial. American

constitution guarantee citizens protection from any harm. Everyone has freedom to vote for his
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or her leader, freedom to assemble and discuss matters affecting them. There is also freedom

of expression and giving opinions. In court everyone is given equal trials and sentencing of the

offender is according to the law and type of cases being handled (Matovina, 2012). I am very

conversant with my rights and steps which should be taken when seeking for justice. I came to

learn protection principles through my colleagues at working place where there a thorough

discussion on political issues affecting state especially during tea break. I have also interacted

with political leaders especially during campaigns and other public meetings. Democratic helps

in protecting nationals’ rights and ensuring free and fair voting process. Being a democrat has

assisted in adhering to morals values, compromising and cooperating in matters affecting

society.

References

Butler, D. M., Volden, C., Dynes, A. M., & Shor, B. (2017). Ideology, learning, and policy

diffusion: Experimental evidence. American Journal of Political Science, 61(1), 37-49.

Chin, M. K., Hambrick, D. C., & Treviño, L. K. (2013). Political ideologies of CEOs: The

influence of executives’ values on corporate social responsibility. Administrative

Science Quarterly, 58(2), 197-232.

La Palombara, J., & Weiner, M. (2015). Political Parties and Political Development.(SPD-6).

Princeton University Press.

Matovina, T. (2012). Latino Catholicism: Transformation in America's largest church.

Princeton, N.J: Princeton University Press.

O'Connor, K., Sabato, L., & Yanus, A. B. (2015). American government: Roots and reform.