What are the major differences between liberalism and conservatism?

Answer 1

Here are a few.

L: Believe all wealth belongs by right to the govt.
C: Believe all wealth belongs by right to those who earn it.

L: Think that it is protected speech to yell fire in a crowded theater.
C: Think it is protected speech to yell movie in a crowded firehouse.

L: Think all opinions are equally valid.
C: Know that there is a difference between right & wrong.

L: Think that we need to ask "UN may I?" before defending ourselves
C: Are ready to defend ourselves no matter what anyone else says.

L: Think that the Constitution is a suicide pact.
C: Know that President Lincoln was correct when he said it wasn't.

L: If someone hates us, we must be evil.
C: If someone hates us, they must be evil.

L: Whatever bad decision anyone makes, it is the responsibility of the govt to fix it.
C: when something bad happens, it is the responsibility of those involved to fix it.

L: All wisdom is confined to the area within I-495.
C: All wisdom resides in the area outside I-495.

Answer 2

Liberalism and Libertarianism are the same on social policy (they think people should be able to do what they want in their personal lives, and the government shouldn't interfere). But they are the opposite on fiscal policy. Liberals are socialists or communists, and Libertarians are capitalists. On foreign policy, Liberals are cowards. They always want to surrender to and appease our enemies, and they blame America for all our problems. Different Libertarians take different positions on foreign policy.

Answer 3

A look at demographics and the map will tell you that the liberals' power bases are mostly the educated and intelligent, who base their opinions on available data.
..and that conservatives' power base are mostly ignorant rednecks, who base their opinions on knee-jerk reaction and authoritarian nonsense.

but thats not the question you asked is it? you asked about the -ism, the ideas not the people.

both terms are super-broad, almost defying coherent definition. but here goes:

conservatism is the attitude that change should happen slowly - if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
liberalism is the attitude that people should have all the rights and freedom possible.

conservatives think we should leave it alone, liberals think we should leave them alone.

Answer 4

liberalism (classic philosophy or in other words, not really true today)
-equality for all
-freedom for everyone
-peaceful resolutions
-bigger government

conservativsm (again, the classic philosophy)
-economic freedom
-strong but small governemnt
-believes everyone has an equal chance

i know this isn't all, but this is the basics

Answer 5

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Answer 6

Conservatives do not want change; they like he status quo, where they have the money and control government policy.

Liberals advocate change, because they do not like the way things are; poor people do not like being poor, minorities do not like not having a strong voice in politics, government is controlled by the wealthy, and they are its beneficiaries.

Answer 7

One of them believes the government can fix all our problems. The other knows the government cant fix anything.

Answer 8

The libertarians like to smoke dope.

Answer 9

Conservatives think.

Liberals feel.

Answer 10

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