Difference between revisions of "Leftist"

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({{merge|political spectrum}} - National Assembly info is redundant)
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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.
 
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.
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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 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]].

Revision as of 11:15, April 9, 2007

It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with [[::political spectrum|political spectrum]]. (Discuss)

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.

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 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

Compare: Rightist