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Go to the following links and summarize on the chart the basic ideas put forward by followers of the political theories and systems listed below.

• Libertarianism (left and right versions) See Anarchy for a related concept.
• Socialism
• Communism
• Liberalism See also Political Glossary for a short definition. What Liberals Stands For presents a longer explanation.
• Conservatism Scroll down the list to get to the term. Another very short definition:Conservatism An alternative longer exposition is What Conservatives Stand For Note, however, that this piece was written by someone who harbours unfriendly feelings towards conservatism.
• Authoritarianism Read the first paragraph only, at this point. Related concepts are Monarchy (read only the first paragraph) and Theocracy: basic definition and longer explanation
• A Definition of Totalitarianism is found in the same article as Authoritarianism. Read the second-to-last paragraph.

Assumptions

1. The Cosmos (world, universe, etc.)
   1. there is a omniscient (all-knowing) divine being who must be obeyed
   2. the divine plays a limited role in politics
   3. the divine plays no role in politics
   4. there are basic, universal laws, independent of any deity, by which humans live
   5. in the political sphere, mankind is answerable to itself, not to some "outside" being or value system

2. Society
   1. society is a hierarchy, in which everyone has his/her place
   2. some people are naturally "superior" to others and should therefore be obeyed
   3. society is made up of individuals, all of whom should have, if it is to be a just society, an equal chance
   4. society is made up of individuals, all of whom should be equal, if it is to be a just society
   5. people lead fulfilled lives only as members of a society
   6. society as a whole takes precedence over the individual
   7. society exists solely for the purpose of allowing the individual to maximize his/her potential
   8. all social structures oppress the individual

3. Human Nature
   1. people are only fulfilled if they follow and obey a "higher law"
   2. people are fulfilled if they are able to maximize their personal potential
   3. human beings are fundamentally inclined to evil
   4. human beings are fundamentally inclined to good
   5. human beings are fundamentally competitive
   6. human beings are fundamentally co-operative
   7. humans are highly emotional, and unless "told", frequently choose the option that is harmful to them and society
   8. humans are fundamentally rational and the individual knows best what is good for him/herself
   9. humans are basically defined by their spirituality
   10. humans are basically conditioned by their material environment
   
   

R. Derksen