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imply challenging the traditional system of a society, in order to defend the interests of people who are poor, or who consider themselves oppressed, or inadequately represented, under the traditional ruling institutions. Compare: [[rightist]].

imply challenging the traditional system of a society, in order to defend the interests of people who are poor, or who consider themselves oppressed, or inadequately represented, under the traditional ruling institutions. Compare: [[rightist]].

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 distinction is mentioned in many countries.

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]] is widely recognized.

The origin of this term comes from the [[National Assembly]] in [[France]] just before the [[French Revolution]]. More [[liberal]] members, who supported political rights for all classes of society, would sit on the left side of the assembly hall in which they met.  More [[conservative]] members, who supported the return of the monarchy, would sit towards the right. Those who had been offended by their own party would frequently stand up and walk over to the other side of the hall in order to make a political statement.

The origin of this term comes from the [[National Assembly]] in [[France]] just before the [[French Revolution]]. More [[liberal]] members, who supported political rights for all classes of society, would sit on the left side of the assembly hall in which they met.  More [[conservative]] members, who supported the return of the monarchy, would sit towards the right. Those who had been offended by their own party would frequently stand up and walk over to the other side of the hall in order to make a political statement.