Liberal
Signifies an openness to change and respect for individual liberties within a societal framework in which all have equal opportunity (See Rawls Theory of Justice or Walzer's Spheres of Justice)

Progressive
One who actively campaigns for (liberal) change.

Neo-Liberalism
A strain of liberalism with its main emphasis on pragmatic approaches to change.

Conservative
One who opposes change, and seeks solutions to societal problems via traditional methods, especially with regard to "moral" problems" There are also "fiscal" conservatives, but they usually lean more towards libertarianism.

Neo-conservativism
A strain of conservatism that grew out of the Cold War which is much the same as regular conservatism, but without the isolationism and with a much more activist foreign policy.

Libertarianism
Libertarians believe in an extremely tiny government whose role is limited to common defense and arbitrating disputes between private individuals (enforcing contracts). Libertarians do not want any government regulation of the social or economic spheres, with complete individual liberty in all areas of life. Conservatives generally agree with libertarians on much (but not all) of their economic platform, while liberals generally agree with libertarians on much (but not all) of their social platform.

Radical right
The strongly conservative minority of society which wishes to solve societal problems by using the government to impose religious-based solutions to moral dilemmas.

"Patriot" movement
A more extreme strain of the radical right with heavy emphasis on millenarian pseudo-Christian religious beliefs, self-reliance, weapons/militia training, and conspiracy theory.

Populist
A segment of the American public which is strongly conservative on social issues and very protectionist and "anti-big business" on economic issues. Pat Buchanan is the prototypical populist, Ross Perot is a much less virulent example.

Democrat
A member of the Democratic party. Note that Democrat is not synonymous with liberal. There are some conservatives and moderates in the Democratic party, even if the majority of Democrats could be considered liberal.

Republican
A member of the Republican party. Note that Republican is not synonymous with conservative. There are some liberals and moderates in the Republican party, even if the majority of Republicans could be considered conservative..

Moderate
Generally, a "middle-of-the-road" set of beliefs, rather than an ideology. Moderates of both parties usually share the traits of pragmatism, an aversion to ideology or ideological excesses, and a willingness to compromise.

Socialist
One who advocates government ownership of the means of production (i.e. business). Often misused by right-wing ideologues who confuse regulation of certain aspects of the economy with government ownership of business.

Democratic Socialism
Similar to regular socialism, but with a strong emphasis on democratic decision-making, both in politics, and in the running of economic entities.

Capitalism
An economic system in which the means of production (business) is in private hands.

Mixed System
An economic system where the means of production are held by the government in some industries (usually large ones) and in private hands for other industries. Very common in Europe.

Communist
One who advocates communal ownership of all property. There is no central government in a communist system.

Statist
Anyone who advocates a strong central government, especially with regard to finding solutions for societal problems. Can apply to both right and left.

Fascist
One who advocates a very strong form of statism, a corporatist economy, modernization, regimentation, and strong central leadership. Citizens' purpose is to serve the state. Often includes appeals to a "glorious" past or pseudo-religious ideal, thus combining several facets of liberalism, conservatism and socialism into an organic vision of society.

Nazism
A form of fascism espoused and put into place by Adolf Hitler in Germany. Differs from standard fascism primarily in its emphasis on anti-Semitism and eugenics.

Anarchist
One who opposes all forms of government. Often confused with libertarians, who share many anarchist beliefs; however libertarians still think that there should be a minimal government.

Radical left
Generally those who do not believe liberalism or progressivism are approaches which do enough to change the dominant paradigm in society. Radical leftists are willing to forego traditional ideas of individual liberty (which some of them see as simply another way the dominant paradigm keeps them down) in order to impose programs for change. Differ from liberals in that most liberals want to keep the current paradigm.