a. Before the test I didn’t really place myself in anywhere because I’m not the US citizen. So I never think about it.
b. What does the right/left spectrum measure?
The left/right spectrum measures your attitudes when it comes to economic control. If you believe that the government or ruling party should have a lot of control over the economy, you will be placed far to the left on this scale. If you believe in totally unrestricted free markets, you would be all the way to the right.
c. What dimensions is the test checking? Why?
The test is asking about how you feel regarding economics, but also your views on society, law, and government. A test that only asks about economic questions doesn’t provide a complete picture of your political views. Social issues are also very important.
d. Where did you fall in the political compass test? Provide your compass numbers.
My Economic Left/Right score was -4.25 and my Social Libertarian/Authoritarian score was -1.44, so my dot was in the lower left quadrant. (“The Political Compass” 2016)
e. Where the outcomes different from where you thought you would be? If so, what do you think accounts for this? If the outcomes where the same, what do you think accounts for this?
I never gave this issue much thought before I took this test, so many of the questions were ones I had to consider. But I think that the general outcome is that I feel that government should not be too controlling, but must do its job and make sure that everyone has equal access to economic opportunities.
f. What does this exercise tell you about two-dimensional labels and labels in general?
They are typically not very accurate. Life is not two-dimensional and people’s opinions and values usually are not either. Asking more questions gives you a better picture.
Work Cited:
Pace News Limited. “The Political Compass.” ThePoliticalCompass.org. Web. 14 April 2016. <https://www.politicalcompass.org/analysis2?ec=-4.25&soc=-1.44>
