Final answer:
The term that defines whether a person is conservative, liberal, or middle-of-the-road is their 'political identity.' This identity is shaped by a political ideology, which influences opinions and stances on various political issues, ranging from government intervention to economic policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whether the person is conservative, liberal, or middle-of-the-road, these define the person's political identity. Political identity is influenced by political ideology, which provides a framework for people to react to political issues and ideas.
Your political affiliation, whether you consider yourself a moderate-leaning conservative or align yourself with other ideologies, factors into your overall political identity.
Political ideologies range across a spectrum with liberalism typically on the left, conservatism on the right, and moderate views in the center.
Personal influences, such as family, friends, education, and social media, significantly impact one's political socialization and the development of their political ideology.
Ideologies help to shape public opinion on issues like government programs, social reforms, taxes, and the responsibility of the government.
Political identity is dynamic and is affected by various environmental and societal factors over time. Moreover, as seen in the case of Brexit, political ideology can significantly affect individuals' opinions across nations.
The polarization among different political views demonstrates the divergence on public policies and the extent to which ideology shapes one's stance towards issues such as education, healthcare, and economic policies.