Title: Reading for Bias: How to Spot a Politically Biased Text
Headings: The Difference Between Liberals and Conservatives
The Difference Between Liberals and Conservatives
Conservative Bias
Reading for Conservative Bias
Traditional Family Values and the Sanctity of Marriage
A Limited Role for the Government
Strong National Defense
Commitment to Faith and Religion
Anti-Abortion
Liberal Bias
Liberals and Government Programs
Progressivism
Taxes

Content: A Limited Role for the Government
Conservatives generally value individual accomplishments and resent too much government intervention. They do not believe that it is the job of the government to solve the problems of society by imposing intrusive or costly policies, such as affirmative action or mandatory health care programs. A progressive (liberal) leaning person would consider a piece biased if it suggested that the government unfairly implements social policies as a counter-balance for perceived social injustice. Fiscal conservatives favor a limited role for government, so they also favor a small budget for the government. They believe that individuals should retain more of their own earnings and pay less to the government. These beliefs have led critics to suggest that fiscal conservatives are selfish and uncaring. Progressive thinkers believe that taxes are a costly but necessary evil, and they would find bias in an article that is overly critical of taxation. Strong National Defense
Conservatives advocate a large role for the military in providing security for society. They tend to believe that a large military presence is an essential tool for safeguarding society against acts of terrorism. Progressives take a different stance: