The term "political spectrum" refers to the range of political ideologies that exist within a society, typically illustrated as a line that positions different beliefs from left to right. On the left are ideologies such as socialism and progressivism, which prioritize social equality and government intervention in the economy. On the right are conservatism and libertarianism, which emphasize individual freedoms and limited government. Understanding the political spectrum helps in analyzing the diverse views that shape political discourse and policy-making.