question about the political spectrum?

Question

hello, tomorrow I have a test in which we will be given certain circumstances and we have to say which of the four political categories (liberal, libertarian, conservative, statist) will approve or deny of it. I am still not very clear on these...does anyone know a sure shot method to find out whether a conservative or liberal or libertarian or statist will be for or against a particular issue? Thanks!

Answer 1

Conservative - Less gov't interferance in economy, more in social issues

Liberal - opposite of Con definition

Libertarian - less gov't interferance in both

Answer 2

I believe that these labels have more to do with HOW 'federal' or centralized governments rule. Liberal governments are more permissive or progressive, if you will. Liberal govs believe that government can help more that hinder. Although they don't always see what lies at the end of the road. Libertarians believe that, they that govern least, governs best. Conservative governments believe that they are libertarians but they in fact wish to control the actions of citizens 'for the good of the republic'. And they too don't see what this philosophy will bring later on down the road. State(ists) believe in a decentralized form of government, really just the opposite of what we have here in the USA. The War between the states hinged on the interpretations of states rights as opposed to federal rights to govern from the central seat and demand that states do as the central government thinks best.

Answer 3

Liberals support control of the economy, but oppose control of personal behavior (lifestyle choices). Conservatives support control of personal behavior (lifestyle choices) but oppose economic controls by government. Libertarians oppose control of both personal behavior (lifestyle choices) and the economy. Statists support control of both personal behavior and the economy.

Liberals talk about "fairness", "equality", and "egalitarianism". Conservatives talk about "freedom", "opportunity", and "the right to be left alone" (primarily concerning economic matters, taxes, regulation, etc.). Liberals want high taxes and large government spending. Conservatives are the opposite. Liberals hate business; conservatives want to own the business.

When it comes to foreign trade and international affairs, the dichotomy is isolationist vs. internationalist. Traditionally conservatives were more isolationist and liberals internationalist (i.e., through the 1960's). Now, matters are generally reversed (with the exception of folks like Pat Buchannan, who is a conservative but isolationist.). Most conservatives today think as I do, sort of a Barny Fife "Nip It In The Bud" view; thus, preemptive war. We envision how many lives would have been saved if Hitler had been taken out in 1935 as opposed to waiting till there was no choice but war. We believe that if Radical Islam is defeated now, the cost will be far less than it will if their vision of a Caliphate stretching from the Sudan to Indonesia armed with nukes and missles is achieved in 10 or 15 years. That war would involved hundereds of millions of deaths as opposed to tens of thousands now. Liberals hate war and seek to avoid it at all costs; they believe in "giving peace a chance". (Conservatives think they are naive at best). The Pat Buchannans hate foreigners and want them out of our country and out of our treasury. (Most conservatives think this view is unrealistic itself).

Good luck!

Vandy Poly Sci 1973
Memphis JD 1976

Answer 4

Liberal - pro-gay marriage, abortion
Libertarian - moderate liberal
Conservative- anti gay, abortion but war monger
Statist - loves the nation

Answer 5

Try this one:

http://www.self-gov.org/quiz.html
.