Political Orientation Guide

Put political opinion on a single line and too much of it goes missing. This test uses four axes that vary independently of one another. Here is what each axis measures and the reasoning each pole gives for its own position. No verdict on who is right.

Economic axis

Measures how far you think government should intervene in markets and redistribute wealth.

The Economic axisHow far government should intervene in markets and redistribute Economic LeftHolds that gaps left by the market are hard to close through individual effort alone, so government should adjust them through taxes and public provision. Economic RightHolds that intervention distorts how resources are allocated and weakens incentives, so the market's own adjustments generally do better.

Social & Cultural axis

Measures your attitude toward change in family life, identity, and social norms.

The Social & Cultural axisWhether changing social norms counts as progress or as cost Social ProgressiveHolds that existing norms have excluded particular groups, so changing institutions to widen who is included counts as progress. Social TraditionalistHolds that long-surviving customs carry tested functions, so abrupt change produces costs nobody accounted for.

Government Authority axis

Measures how far the state may restrict individual freedom in the name of order and safety.

The Government Authority axisHow far the state may limit individual freedom for the sake of order LibertarianHolds that state power is hard to reverse once expanded, so it should be limited narrowly from the outset. AuthoritarianHolds that freedom cannot be exercised without order and safety, so the state needs sufficient authority to secure them.

Diplomatic axis

Measures where you place the balance between international cooperation and putting your own country first.

The Diplomatic axisWhere to place the balance between cooperation and national priority GlobalistHolds that a growing share of problems cannot be solved alone, so taking part in international cooperation ultimately serves the national interest. NationalistHolds that international bodies never face voters, so sovereignty and citizens' interests must come first in the ranking.

Curious where you land?

Take the 16-question version (about five minutes) or the 40-question detailed version to see your position on all four axes. Nothing is stored — answers are calculated in your browser and never leave it.

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This page neither endorses nor opposes any position. Each position is described the way its own supporters would describe it, and criticisms are given equal weight across all of them. Political disagreement is often less about who is right than about what each side weighs most heavily.