https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_ideologies_in_the_United_States

1. Conservatism

·        Mainstream Base: Republican Party

·        Core Beliefs: Limited government, free-market capitalism, traditional social values, strong national defense.

·        Variants: Social conservatism, fiscal conservatism, neoconservatism 

2. Liberalism

·        Mainstream Base: Democratic Party

·        Core Beliefs: Government intervention to promote social justice, civil rights, environmental protection, and economic equality.

·        Variants: Social liberalism, progressivism

3. Libertarianism

·        Mainstream Base: Libertarian Party (third largest)

·        Core Beliefs: Minimal government in both economic and social spheres, strong emphasis on individual liberty, free markets, and non-interventionist foreign policy 

4. Progressivism

·        Mainstream Base: Progressive Caucus within the Democratic Party

·        Core Beliefs: Aggressive reform of economic and social systems, wealth redistribution, climate action, and racial justice.

·        Notable Figures: Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

5. Socialism / Democratic Socialism

·        Mainstream Base: Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), some progressive Democrats

·        Core Beliefs: Public ownership or control of key industries, universal healthcare, free education, and strong labor protections

6. Populism

·        Mainstream Base: Found in both parties (e.g., Trumpism on the right, some progressive populists on the left)

·        Core Beliefs: Anti-elitism, nationalism, direct appeal to “the people” over institutions, skepticism of globalism and bureaucracy

 7.     Nationalists

·        Focus on national sovereignty, immigration control, and cultural identity.

·        Often overlap with populist and conservative movements 

8.     Environmentalists

 ·       Centered around climate action and ecological sustainability.

·       Represented by groups like the Sierra Club and Sunrise Movement

·       In many cases, labor unions are disguised as environmentalists to gain influence in forcing projects to use what is referred to as prevailing wages.

 9.     Religious Right

·       Driven by evangelical and conservative Christian values.

·       Influential in shaping social policy, especially on issues like abortion and education 

10.  Civil Rights and Social Justice Advocates

·       Focus on racial, gender, and identity-based equity 

11.   Single-Issue Ideological Groups

 ·        Examples: NRA (gun rights), Planned Parenthood (reproductive rights), ACLU (civil liberties).

·        These groups exert focused influence on specific policy areas 

 12. Moderates and Centrists

 ·        Often less ideologically rigid but still politically active.

·        Represented by bipartisan coalitions and centrist think tanks 

 13. Labor unions

The labor union movement is a significant political force in American politics, though its influence has fluctuated over time.

🧭 Keyways Labor Unions Exert Political Power:

·        Electoral Influence:

·        Unions often endorse candidates, especially those who support workers’ rights, collective bargaining, and pro-labor legislation.

·        They mobilize voters, fund campaigns, and provide grassroots organizing, particularly for the Democratic Party.

·        Policy Advocacy:

·        Unions lobby for laws related to wages, workplace safety, healthcare, retirement, and labor protections.

·        Major legislative wins include the Fair Labor Standards Act, OSHA regulations, and support for minimum wage increases.

·        Institutional Presence:

·        Large federations like the AFL-CIO, SEIU, and Teamsters have national reach and influence in both public and private sectors.

·        Public sector unions (e.g., teachers, postal workers, government employees) are especially active in shaping education, infrastructure, and administrative policy.

·        Social and Economic Impact:

·        Unions help shape debates on income inequality, corporate accountability, and economic justice.

·        They often align with progressive and social justice movements, including racial and gender equity.

📉 Challenges to Union Power

·        Declining membership: Union membership has dropped from over 30% of the workforce in the 1950s to around 10% today.

·        Legal and political opposition: Right-to-work laws and Supreme Court decisions (e.g., Janus v. AFSCME) have weakened union power in some states.

·        Globalization and automation: These trends have reduced union density in manufacturing and other traditional sectors.

Despite these challenges, unions remain a core part of the American political landscape, especially in states with strong labor traditions and among public sector workers.

14. The Administrative State

The administrative state—referring broadly to the federal bureaucracy and public employees who implement laws and regulations—is not a political faction in the traditional sense. Still, it does function as a powerful institutional force within American governance and politics.

The administrative state is referred to as the fourth branch of government because it consists of lifetime bureaucrats, dominated by labor unions that possess monopoly powers and influence in governance.

🔍 What Is the Administrative State?

·        It includes federal agencies, departments, and civil servants who carry out the day-to-day operations of government.

·        Examples: IRS, EPA, Department of Education, FDA, etc.

As of the most recent comprehensive analysis, there are approximately 430 federal agencies and sub-agencies in the United States. 

 These include:

·        15 federal executive departments (e.g., Department of Defense, Department of Education)

·        Independent agencies (e.g., CIA, EPA, NASA)

·        Sub-agencies and offices within larger departments

However, the exact number can vary depending on how “agency” is defined. Different sources report different counts:

·        Federal Register: 430 agencies and sub-agencies

·        USA.gov: Lists of over 500 entities, including all sub-agencies and commissions

·        Other sources: Numbers range from 61 to over 500, depending on classification criteria 

This variation stems from the lack of a single, universally accepted definition of what constitutes a federal agency. Some lists include only executive agencies, while others include legislative and judicial entities, government-sponsored enterprises, and quasi-governmental organizations.

🧠 Political Influence

While not a faction, the administrative state:

·        Shapes policy through regulations and enforcement.

·        Interacts with elected officials, often influencing legislative priorities.

·        Can resist or slow political agendas if they conflict with institutional norms or legal constraints

15.  Black Lives Matter (BLM) is considered a political movement, though its nature is more accurately described as a social and civil rights movement with political implications.

🔑 Key Characteristics of BLM as a Political Movement:

·        Origins and Focus:

·        Founded in 2013 after the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting of Trayvon Martin.

·        Focuses on combating systemic racism, police brutality, and racial injustice, particularly against Black Americans.

·        Political Influence:

·        While not a political party, BLM has influenced legislation, public policy, and electoral platforms.

·        It has pushed for reforms in policing, criminal justice, and racial equity at the local, state, and federal levels.

·        Grassroots and Decentralized:

·        BLM is a decentralized movement with many local chapters and activists.

·        It operates through protests, advocacy, education, and community organizing rather than traditional political structures.

·        Impact on Elections and Policy:

·        BLM has shaped political discourse, especially during the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

·        Politicians and parties have responded to its demands, incorporating racial justice into their platforms.

·        Criticism and Controversy:

·        The movement has faced criticism from some political groups who view its methods or messaging as divisive.

·        Debates around BLM often reflect deeper ideological divides in American politics.

16. The LGBTQ+ community—which includes gay, lesbian, transgender, queer, and other identities—is not a political faction. Still, it has become a significant social and political force in American politics.

✅ Here’s how it functions politically:

·        Advocacy and Rights Movement:

·        The LGBTQ+ rights movement advocates for equal treatment under the law, including marriage equality, anti-discrimination protections, healthcare access, and transgender rights.

·        Organizations like the Human Rights Campaign, GLAAD, and Lambda Legal play significant roles in lobbying and legal advocacy.

·        Political Influence:

·        LGBTQ+ issues are part of many political platforms, especially within the Democratic Party.

·        The movement has influenced legislation, court rulings (e.g., Obergefell v. Hodges), and public policy debates.

·        Cultural and Electoral Impact:

·        LGBTQ+ voters and allies represent a substantial voting bloc.

·        Visibility and representation in media, politics, and education have grown, shaping public opinion and policy.

·        Opposition and Polarization:

·        LGBTQ+ rights are often a point of contention in American politics, especially among socially conservative groups.

·        Debates over gender identity, education, and religious freedom have made LGBTQ+ issues central to broader ideological divides.

So while LGBTQ+ identities are not inherently political, the movement for their rights and recognition has become a prominent political and cultural force in the U.S.