Political Quadrants

The idea of Political Quadrants is a means of categorizing political philosophies. It is based on the idea that politics is not a line, but a two-dimensional plane, based on Economic and Social views. The combination of these views puts philosophies, parties and people into specific quadrants.

Upper-Leftism
Upper-leftist philosophy combines the idea of an authoritarian government with leftist economic theory. This is a big-government ideal, which believes that a strong central government which controls the economy is a good idea. Control of the economy, however, can mean either providing for everyone (as in Seldonism), the woring or lower class (as in idealistic Communism), or the upper class or elite (as in Panterranism).

Examples of upper-leftist philosophy include:
 * Communism and some Socialism
 * Nuncirism
 * Panterranism
 * Archonism
 * Seldonism

Lower-Leftism
Lower-leftism is generally the belief that the state should provide services for its citizens but not restrict their personal freedoms.


 * Green philosophy is normally associated with the lower-left; however, it is not necessarily so.
 * Democratic Socialism or Liberal Socialism
 * Kaoism

Lower-Rightism
The catchphrase for lower-rightism can be considered "freedom above all". Lower-rightist philosophy believes in personal freedom with few restrictions and capitalism or neo-liberalism.


 * Libertarianism is a good example of lower-rightist philosophy.
 * Anarchism is normally considered the most extreme version of lower-rightism; however, some branches of it, like Anarcho-Communism, can be considered lower-leftist.

Upper-Rightism
Upper-rightism is the belief in a state that imposes social restrictions but not economic ones. Contrary to popular belief, upper-rightism does not imply a strong state - there can be a very small government, as long as it can enforce the laws created. Upper-rightists tend to believe more in a strong individual leader, like a President or a Monarch, as opposed to the more parliament-based beliefs of lower-leftism.


 * Fascism is often considered an extreme form of upper-rightism
 * Conservatism
 * Religious movements, like Islamism or Christian Democracy are normally considered upper-right, but these can fall in any quadrant.
 * Some say Nuncirism is upper-rightist, but it is normally placed on the upper-left.
 * Archonism is Upper-Rightist in regards to the upper class.