Political Spectrum Assignment

Today's assignment is to examine the political spectrum with the help of some online resources that will place your views on the political spectrum.

Take the following quizzes by following the appropriate links. I want you to think carefully about what the quizzes tell you and whether you agree with their findings. Additionally, think about which of the four concepts you feel most strongly about and what concepts you would find most critical in a candidate.

The place I want you to start is Idealog. Be sure to read the intro and the tutorial, which explain the nature of this type of way to think about political ideology. (You will have to provide an email address for this one, I'll explain.)

Then the Political Compass. Once you have your own results, it might be interesting to note where this group places each of the presidential primary candidates.

Kieskompas is another compass, this one from a political scientist in the Netherlands.

Then take Advocates for Self Government's World's Smallest Political Quiz. It is a very little quiz, from a libertarian group that wants people to realize that there are more than just liberals and conservatives.

If you have time, also go to Glass Booth. This one will tell you the candidate that most matches your own views. See if you agree.

3rd Party Central will match your answers to a survey to the party with which your answers best match.

Further directions will be given in class.