| − | In politics, '''right-wing''' historically referred to a society run by natural law or tradition. It is generally synonymous with politically [[conservative]] beliefs, including economic and social conservatism, and support for a strong military and an active foreign policy. The term "right-wing," as well as "left-wing," came from the French Revolution, a reference to where people sat in parliament, although there was also a theory where the terms originated from the Book of Revelations relating to Jesus transfiguring those on his left side and right side into goats and sheep, respectively. | + | In politics, '''right-wing''' historically referred to a society run by natural law or tradition. It is generally synonymous with politically [[conservative]] beliefs, including economic and social conservatism, and support for a strong military and an active foreign policy. The term "right-wing," as well as "left-wing," came from the French Revolution, a reference to where people sat in parliament,<ref>There was also a theory where the terms originated from the Book of Revelations relating to Jesus transfiguring those on his left side and right side into goats and sheep, respectively.</ref> although in the United States there never was a [[divine right of kings]] which defines the [[Europe]]an concept of "conservatism" and "the Right." America never had a [[feudal]] nobility and since its founding had [[separation of church and state]]. |
| − | The term '''Rightist''' refers to someone on the 'right' side of the political spectrum. Politics on the 'right' usually imply taking positions in favor of the traditional system of a society, including its traditional values and its traditional ruling institutions. Compare: [[leftist]]. Following the left-right political spectrum, a "Right-Winger" could be referred to as anyone who favors having marginally more economic than personal liberties. | + | The term '''Rightist''' refers to someone on the 'right' side of the political spectrum. Politics on the 'right' usually imply taking positions in favor of the traditional system of a society, including its traditional values and its traditional ruling institutions. Compare: [[leftist]]. Following the left-right political spectrum, a "Right-Winger" in America refers to anyone who believes in [[liberty]] and limiting the powers of civil government. |
| | It is widely accepted, however, that there is not just one dimension of political thought, so that people can unambiguously be classified as 'right' or 'left'. Nonetheless, the [[political spectrum theory]] still has wide currency. | | It is widely accepted, however, that there is not just one dimension of political thought, so that people can unambiguously be classified as 'right' or 'left'. Nonetheless, the [[political spectrum theory]] still has wide currency. |