1. Ideology is a collection of values, ideas, opinions and beliefs that forms the way a group of people perceive the world, and how they think society should be. Ideology helps it followers shape their views on various important issues such as government, politics, culture, ethical, social and economic issues. Additionally, ideology can guide people how to act to bring the changes they wish to see in these various important issues. The more common types of political Ideologies include liberalism, conservatism, socialism, nationalism and communism, but in my opinion, we shouldn’t narrow it down to just these because some ideologies can be derivatives of another ideology.

For example, the MAGA (Make America Great Again) is an ideology that is a derivative of the conservative Republican Ideology which refers to President Trump supporters. It oftentimes includes extreme right-wing ideas that include policies related to strict immigration control, Conservative Social Values and supporting false news and conspiracy theories mostly in regards to the Democratic party and liberal organizations (https://www.britannica.com/topic/MAGA-movement) .

The January 6 United States Capitol attack demonstrates how far people are willing to go to change what their ideology tells them is wrong. For these MAGA ideology followers, the 2020 elections were stolen, and they must act to protect democracy even in the cost of storming and raiding one of the most important USA democracy institutions. Another examples of how this ideology was used is the anti-trans laws across the U.S. and the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, nominated by President Trump, which later led overturn of Roe v Wade, that protected the right to abortion under Federal Law.

2. In my opinion, the differences between conservative and liberal ideology in US politics is in the way each ideology believe the government and American society should act.

Conservative Ideology focus on limited government, individual freedom and tradition, and include:

•  smaller government that is best handled by states and localities with less regulations so the public will have more freedom to make their own decisions.
• Less intervention in the public life in addition to believing individuals should take responsibility for their own live.
• Lower taxes.
• National security, strong national defense and strong military.
• Traditional family structure.

Liberal Ideology focus on involved government, equality and social change and include:

• Large governments that is active in solving social and economic problems, such as healthcare, education, and income inequality.
• The government should help to provide basic needs to the public, in the form of healthcare, education and unemployment benefits.
• Higher taxes for the rich to support the funding of public and social services.
• Diplomacy over military
• Progressive values and supporting change in social issues, like equal rights, reproductive rights, immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental issues.

3. To my understanding, Althusser’s definition of ideology is a set of idea, opinions and believes intuitions (churches, schools, media, governments etc.) are using to shape people views and actions about the world, often without realizing that and even if it’s against their interests. For example, a girl who grow up in a town where majority of the people consider themselves to be conservatives most likely to grow up to be conservative as well because of the ideas, opinions and believes she absorbed in school, by the local government and by her Sunday church sermon. Now, let’s pretend this girl comes as a trans man, starts transitioning in August 2025, and plans to vote for the republican party in the 2024, although he knows about Project 2025 that that it will prevent him rights and access to gender affirming care.