1. Ideology is a system of beliefs in which a particular group of people have about the way the government should run. These beliefs can be influenced by family, social groups, the school system, economic self interests, etc. For example, if you are raised in a religious/ conservative household, you are more likely to to also have conservative ideologies. You may be led to believe that these ideologies serve in the best interest of your religion, your moral beliefs, and family values. Some may choose to go against and adopt more liberal ideologies because of influence from school and social groups, even as to social media. This can be viewed as an act of rebellion against your family and their beliefs. Due to that it may cause one to further surround themselves with like minded people who share the same ideologies.

2.The main difference between conservative ideologies and liberal ideologies is how heavily the government is involved in each one. Conservatives prefer to have as little government involvement as possible. The reason for this is because they view more government involvement as a threat to liberty, in which they value. They also prefer less government spending which means lower taxes but they prioritize a strong defense, religion and allowing the government to have a role in the social and personal aspects of people’s lives. As for Liberals value equality, and believe more government involvement is necessary in promoting equality. Liberals support government intervention in the economy like regulation of big businesses and higher taxes in order to support the underprivileged. They also believe that the defense budget should be cut to be able to fund social programs.

3.Althusser believes that ideology is internalized by everyone and that there are systems set in place to give the illusion of freedom of choice. Repressive apparatus imposes fear in order to keep people in line, this includes the police, jail, death and war. Ideological apparatus always justifies the existing conditions of today’s society. It is usually justified by religion, race and economic status. Althusser also believes that the school system is one of the biggest systems of control. The reason for this is because school is mandatory, and children spend most of their week in school. This is set up so that they can internalize ideologies, and to gain social and economic order.

1. Repressive state apparatus is a set of institutions that enforce cooperation through violence. Examples of this include jail, military, death and war. Althusser calls it repressive because it restrains our freedom through fear. We are taught from very young that we must behave a certain way, or not behave a certain way to avoid going to prison, or even dying.
2. Ideological state apparatus is a set of institutions that enforce cooperation through coercion. Examples of this include schools, religion, race, economic status etc. These systems are all set in place so that you internalize ideology and in turn stay in line. This also includes democratic apparatus in which you are given the illusion of responsibility to society by voting, and state apparatus, the mandatory schooling system in which the youth are mandated to be to teach them discipline, structure and maintain social and economic order
3. Repressive and Ideological state apparatus are different in nature but in the end have the same goal. Repressive state is more harsh and matter of fact, there is usually a direct cause and effect there. An example of that would be if you assault someone you will go to jail. Nobody wants to loose their freedom so many follow the laws. This is keeps social order. Ideological state apparatus is not as direct but instead gives people the illusion that they are choosing to do the right thing and follow by the law when repressive state apparatus fails. Take the same example of assaulting someone but now add religion into it. Someone who is religious is less likely to assault someone because they are now breaking moral code of conduct.
4. The picture below is an example of an ideological apparatus due to given the illusion to people of having a responsibility to society and to vote. The illusion of choosing a candidate that aligns with their own ideologies.