Originally social democracy was a more moderate socialism which advocated a path to socialism free of revolution. In modern times the term has evolved to mean a political system or ideology that integrates elements of socialism but is moderate. So it can be said that it's somewhat leftist. (Note that in the United States, as there is no real mainstream left - social democrats would be way on the left.)

You can see examples of social democracy all over Europe and in Canada. Many western European states are republican democracies with free markets but are also welfare states with significant wealth redistribution and social services.
France, Sweden, Germany, Canada, and the United Kingdom, among others are examples of states that have social democratic parties and that incorporate social democratic elements in their governments.
Source(s):
Political science degree
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_democracy
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/551073/social-democracy
http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA...


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