In separate statements define the terms "liberal" and "conservative". - avoid names and political parties.

Question

The terms "liberal" and "conservative" are thrown around so indiscriminately in Yahoo! Answers that I believe many of us truly do not know what each means. I think the divide between the two is not as wide a many think and that many confuse political partisanship with an understanding of ideology. I am looking for a clear definition of each. I have my own definition but it is not important that your definition and mine be the same. I will consider clear, respectful answers only. No crap about how liberals love Osama bin Laden and abort babies for fun and how conservatives want to crucify gays and think everyone should carry a gun.

Also please avoid using the names of politicians or modern political parties unless absolutely necessary.

Answer 1

Liberal -- someone who places the highest value (priority) on personal freedom, freedom of choice, and protection of civil liberties.

Conservative -- someone who places the highest value (priority) on social stability, respect for tradition and conformity, and overall security.

In the Preamble to the Constitution, there are five goals (values) of the US government: "establish Justice, to ensure domestic Tranquility, to provide for the common Defense, to promote the general Welfare, and secure the blessings of Liberty"

Conservatives think the most important are "to ensure domestic Tranquility" (meaning to promote 'traditional' ways) and to "provide for the Common Defense".

Liberals think it's more important to "promote the general Welfare, and ensure the blessings of Liberty".

Answer 2

each President blames their predecessor. the priority with Obama is that he thinks he's not at fault. even whilst unemployment spiked at 12% in Reagans first year did he blame Carter for it? No he rather signed the main important tax cut back in American historic previous which bring about his just about unanimous victory in 1984. the version between Obama and previous presidents, is they owned the financial gadget they inherited and admitted to possessing it. He acts like he's hasn't been president the previous couple of years and it is real...i'm nonetheless waiting for him to control.

Answer 3

to sum up my feelings..I'm a conservative and believe that people should be responsible for their lives and I believe in that this country needs a strong military..I think that the liberals believe that people should have entitlement programs such as welfare and universal healthcare..they also believe in gay marriage that type of thing

Answer 4

The correct answer:
Liberal---you earn it we take it.
Conservative--You make it you keep it.