On paper the United States is run by a two party system, but in practice the political landscape heading into the 2026 mid-term elections is expansive. Democratic Socialists, Progressive, Far-right, Conservative, Moderates, Liberals. It can all be confusing. Now is a good time to check-in with how you are thinking about the problems of the world today and what society should do about it.
Where Do You Stand?
American politics runs along a wide spectrum, not just two teams. Read the eight categories below, then take the 20-question quiz to see which one your views land closest to.
The Spectrum
These eight categories are simplifications of real, overlapping traditions — most people are a blend. They're presented left to right along the conventional U.S. political spectrum, described in the terms each tradition generally uses for itself.
Democratic Socialist
Favors structural change to the economy: public or cooperative ownership in key sectors, a single government-run healthcare system, tuition-free public college, and steep taxes on wealth to fund broad redistribution. Skeptical that private markets alone can deliver fairness. Generally the most progressive stance on social and criminal-justice issues.
Progressive Democrat
Pushes for ambitious, fast-moving government action — a public healthcare option or Medicare for All, aggressive climate policy, higher taxes on corporations and top earners — while generally still working within a market economy. More willing than centrist Democrats to challenge existing institutions.
Liberal Democrat
Supports an active federal role in regulating the economy, expanding healthcare access, environmental protection, and civil-rights law — but favors incremental reform achieved through existing institutions over sweeping structural change.
Centrist / Moderate Democrat
Blends a social safety net and targeted regulation with fiscal caution and a preference for bipartisan compromise. Wary of the most sweeping progressive proposals; prioritizes pragmatism and electability.
Centrist / Independent
Doesn't consistently align with either party. Evaluates issues case by case, often mixing fiscal caution with social moderation, and tends to prioritize pragmatic outcomes, institutional trust, or anti-corruption over party loyalty.
Moderate Republican
Generally favors lower taxes and lighter regulation but is open to compromise on social issues — some abortion access, LGBTQ+ protections, immigration reform — and to targeted government spending where it's seen as practical.
Conservative Republican
Prioritizes lower taxes, reduced regulation, a strong military, restrictions on abortion, gun rights, and stricter immigration enforcement. Generally favors states' authority over federal mandates and traditional social norms.
Far Right
The most rightward end of the spectrum: minimal government beyond core functions like defense and law enforcement, skepticism of international institutions and agreements, nationalist positions on trade and immigration, and the most restrictive stance on abortion combined with the most expansive view of gun rights.
The Quiz
20 questions, multiple choice. Answer honestly rather than strategically — there's no "correct" outcome, only the one closest to your actual views. Takes about 4 minutes.
Your Result
How your answers broke down
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