Lesson 15, Handout 15
What Are You, Liberal or Conservative?

It is important that you begin to confront some current major political issues and begin to establish your own ideas and political philosophy.

Please read the following and answer questions carefully. It may be difficult for you to give a "yes" or "no" answer. You may have a more complete understanding of an issue and not want to give a simple answer, or you may not have ever thought about some of the issues. Nevertheless, you must answer every question as best you can with either a "yes" or a "no" response.

Answer "yes" if you agree or "no" if you disagree. Do not leave any question unanswered. When you have completed the questionnaire, turn it in to your instructor.

_____	As a world power, the United States should become involved in any international conflict that threatens world peace.
_____	Wiretapping and eavesdropping should be used to aid in the arrest of organized criminals.
_____	All American families should be guaranteed a minimum annual income.
_____	The Supreme Court's decisions which secure persons the right to counsel and the right to remain silent are vital.
_____	The electoral college should be revised so that the president is elected by popular vote.
_____	Money now used for defense of the nation should be used for other priorities such as education and welfare.
_____	The United States has an obligation to stop aggression in the world.
_____	The United Nations offers the best opportunity for world peace.
_____	Local and state governments should handle many of the functions that the federal government now manages.
_____	Gun control will reduce crime and should be strictly enforced.
_____	Citizens who have been discriminated against should be given preferential treatment in order to "catch up."
_____	Deficit spending is a good budget policy for the federal government.
_____	The government should impose strong pollution controls on business and industry.
_____	The federal government should aid cities in solving their problems.
_____	Labor union membership should be voluntary.
_____	This country ought to return to "good old-fashioned patriotism."
_____	Unemployment is less harmful than inflation.
_____	Foreign aid should be reduced.
_____	Radical political groups are a serious threat to American freedom.
_____	The government should be spending more money for human welfare.
_____	The federal government should prevent newspapers from publishing secret documents.
_____	The federal government should pay farmers' losses due to extreme weather conditions.
_____	There should be a new program of national health insurance to cover all Americans and to lower the cost of medical care.
_____	Students from poor, inner city neighborhoods should be bused to affluent suburbs in order to have equal education.
_____	The United States should have stricter law enforcement in order to prevent crime.
_____	The American tax system should be changed so that those who have more wealth will pay higher taxes.
_____	More taxes should be paid by corporations so that individual citizens will pay lower taxes.
_____	The federal government should play the leading role in solving America's problems.
_____	American business needs more regulation by the federal government.
_____	The federal government should intervene to prevent major union strikes.

Which of the above questions do you think is the most important for the United States today. Circle your answer to this question. Be prepared to defend your choice.