How to Find Your Political Identity

The current political landscape requires that in order to support a political party, one must be an extremist. Unfortunately most individuals do not fall into the category of hard-core zealot for the Democratic or Republican Parties and are stuck voting for candidates that only partially reflect their views. Finding your political identity can be difficult if you're looking to political candidates as an example.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Decide what you believe. Your beliefs and values play a large role in your political identity. The sooner you figure out how you feel about certain issues, the closer you will get to finding your political identity. Your values don't necessarily have to reflect your religious beliefs, but they should reflect how you feel about issues. If you believe that the government should play a limited role in the personal lives of citizens, that will help you determine where you fit.
2. Consider your financial future. A major issue that influences an individual's political identity is money and taxes. How you feel about the tax rate and entitlement programs will also help you determine who you are politically. The issue isn't as simple as Democratic or Republican; in fact, many people are torn on this very issue between the parties.
3. Familiarize yourself with the different political parties to determine where you stand. Although you might not find a party you agree with, hearing the different missions of each party will help you sort through your political identity and beliefs.
4. Attend events featuring politicians or organizations that reflect many different view points. Listening to different points of view will evoke reactions that will help you determine how you feel about certain issues. Expand your experience beyond the major political parties and traditional political views.
5. Discuss politics with your friends and family. Open talks about politics and political beliefs will help you figure out how you truly feel about certain issues and policies. Political discussion leads to greater clarity on issues which will allow you to find your true political identity.
6. Research issues that matter to you. Read about policies and legislation involving a variety of issues. This will allow you a deeper understanding of how issues affect you as well as where the disconnect occurs between a politician's beliefs and how they vote on issues.

Tips & Warnings

• Your political identity doesn't have to be tied to a specific political party.