Liberal vs. Conservative

Viewpoints

The role of government is to:- Helps minorities achieve equal

opportunities- Help alleviate social ills- Protect civil liberties/human rights- Solve peoples’ problems

A large government is needed to perform these tasks.

What characterizes a liberal?

Conservatives believe in a small government that:- Allows people personal responsibility to

solve problems- Maintain traditional American values (faith,

family, patriotism, etc.)- Allows for a free market system- Provides people individual personal liberty

What characterizes a conservative?

Where do conservative and liberals stand on certain issues?1. AbortionConservatives: Pro LifeLiberals: Pro Choice

2. Affirmative ActionConservatives: OpposeLiberals: Support

3. EconomyConservatives: Limited/No Interference“Trickle Down” Economy/Free MarketsLiberals: Regulations are necessary (Greed)Support fair wages/working conditions

4. EducationConservatives: Charter Schools/School VouchersLiberals: Funding for Public Schools

5. Assisted SuicideConservatives: OpposeLiberals: Support

6. Global WarmingConservatives: Regulation hurt economy; Warming is natural change or even a mythLiberals: Emissions must be reduced

7. Gun ControlConservatives: OpposeLiberals: Support

8. Health CareConservatives: Free Market SystemLiberal: Free/Low Cost Public/Private System

9. ImmigrationConservatives: Strong RegulationsLiberals: Loose Regulations

10. ReligionConservatives: Separation of Church and State not in the Constitution; should be a part of everyday livesLiberals: Separation of Church and State

11. Same-Sex MarriageConservatives: OpposeLiberals: Support

12. Social SecurityConservatives: Must be Modified/PrivatizedLiberals: Protected

13. TaxesConservatives: Low Taxes/Same Rate for EveryoneLiberals: Higher Taxes for Wealthy

14. National DefenseConservatives: Strong National Defense/War is a necessary objectiveLiberals: Too much spending on defense/Diplomacy needs to be used more often

15. WelfareConservatives: Oppose Long Term WelfareLiberals: Welfare is needed as a safety net

16. Capital PunishmentConservatives: SupportLiberals: Oppose