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{{merge|political spectrum}}

{{merge|political spectrum}}

The term '''Leftist''' refers to someone on the 'left' side of the [[political spectrum]]. Politics on the 'left' usually  

The term '''Leftist''' refers to someone on the 'left' side of the [[political spectrum]]. Politics on the 'left' usually  

imply challenging the traditional system of a society, by people who believe their economic interests, or personal values, or political rights are not supported by the traditional ruling institutions. Compare: [[rightist]].

imply challenging the traditional system of a society, by people who believe their economic interests, or personal values, or political rights are not supported by the traditional ruling institutions. During the [[Reign of Terror]] of early [[Enlightenment]], the left attempted a dechristianization movement to replace the "reactionary" worship of God and replace it with the worship of national patriotism, or the ''Patrie''.  Many churches were closed and converted into Temples of Reason. <ref>John Hall Stewart, ''A Documentary Survey of the French Revolution'' (Macmillan, New York, 1963). </ref>

Of course, it is not obvious that there is just one dimension of political thought, so that people can unambiguously be classified as 'right' or 'left'.  Nonetheless, the left/right description of the [[political spectrum theory]] still has wide currency.

Of course, it is not obvious that there is just one dimension of political thought, so that people can unambiguously be classified as 'right' or 'left'.  Nonetheless, the left/right description of the [[political spectrum theory]] still has wide currency.

The word 'liberal' is often used in the US to mean 'leftist'.  But this is inconsistent with the original meaning of the word [[liberal]].

The word 'liberal' is often used in the US to mean 'leftist'.  But this is inconsistent with the original meaning of the word [[liberal]].

==External links==

==External links==