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DEFINITIONS: THE POLITICAL "ISMS"

Communism

  • a form of socialism that abolishes private ownership
  • a political theory favoring collectivism in a classless society

Conservatism

  • a political or theological orientation advocating the preservation of the best in society and opposing radical changes

Democracy

  • a political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them

Fascism

  • a political theory advocating an authoritarian hierarchical government (as opposed to democracy or liberalism)

Liberalism

  • a political orientation that favors social progress by reform and by changing laws rather than by revolution
  • an economic theory advocating free competition and a self-regulating market

Socialism

  • a political theory advocating state ownership of industry

Totalitarianism

  • a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)
  • the principle of complete and unrestricted power in government


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