Civic Compass · Introductory Overview
Explore Civic Perspectives
Americans disagree about many issues in good faith. Here you can explore several positions on major debates, the tradeoffs of each, and where to read more — then think it through for yourself.
Introductory Overview
An introductory overview of several positions on each issue. It is not complete — other legitimate views exist — and it will be updated as editorial review continues.
Last updated October 18, 2026.
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Political traditions — and how they differ from parties
- Conservative
- Generally values tradition, ordered liberty, limited government, free markets and strong national defense. Conservatives differ among themselves — for example on trade, foreign policy and the role of government in supporting families.
- Liberal
- In the U.S., generally favors an active government role in expanding opportunity, protecting civil rights and regulating markets. Liberals differ on how much government should do and how fast change should come.
- Moderate / centrist
- Draws from more than one tradition depending on the issue, and often emphasizes compromise and incremental change. Moderates are not a single group and do not share one platform.
- Progressive
- Generally seeks larger structural changes to reduce inequality, such as expanded public programs. Progressives overlap with, but are not identical to, liberals.
- Libertarian
- Generally prioritizes individual liberty and minimal government in both economic and personal matters. Libertarians may agree with conservatives on some issues and with liberals on others.
- Populist (left and right)
- Emphasizes ordinary people versus established elites. Populist movements have appeared on both left and right, with very different policies.
A tradition is a broad set of ideas. A party platform is an official document a party adopts, usually every four years. Parties are coalitions: each contains people from several traditions, platforms change over time, and individual candidates and officials often depart from their party's platform. To learn what a specific candidate says, look at that candidate's own documented statements — not their party label.
Choose an issue to explore
Listed alphabetically. Pick any, in any order. Your choice stays on this screen only.
Coming after editorial review: Civil liberties and speech, Energy and the environment, Federalism: state vs. federal power, Public safety and criminal justice, Foreign policy and trade.
Choose an issue above to see several positions side by side.
FFCNation does not endorse or oppose candidates. Information is presented from documented sources. How we source information