As seen in the previous section, different ideologies emphasise different values, goals and ideas. However, ideologies include more than just beliefs and values. They also include plans for actions that are needed to improve society. This means that a part of evaluating ideologies is looking at the political system that they are proposing. A political system refers to the social, economic, and political institutions that reflect the values of an ideology. Different ideologies put greater importance on different values. The importance of values such as freedom, security or equality will determine the kind of system that supporters of an ideology are trying to create.

In a political system, these values get translated into laws, policies and institutions that have real effects on the lives of people. This is why an important part of evaluating ideologies is looking at their social and economic effects on society. This includes thinking about the effects that a political system will have on rights, equality and liberty. It is also important to think about these effects when considering our own values, beliefs and views on politics. An overview of some of the ways that ideology can influence the policies that parties might support (or oppose) can be seen in table 1.