At their most basic forms, conservatism and liberalism in America are contrasting philosophies on several of the most fundamental principles of society and government.  Because political decisions affect society as a whole, it is the responsibility of citizens to make their opinions known to the government.   From this expression of opinion evolved two differing, but not necessarily mutually exclusive, schools of thought: conservatism and liberalism. 

To understand the differences between conservatism and liberalism, it is helpful to look at the root dictionary definitions of both terms.  According to Merriam-Webster (2009), the adjective conservative refers to a tendency to maintain existing conditions, a basis on historical norms, and an emphasis on traditional and social stability.  In contrast, liberal refers to open-mindedness, respect for civil liberties, and individual autonomy.  When used in everyday language, both words hold different meanings than when applied in politics.  In politics, people ranging from senators to ordinary citizens will branch off of these broad guidelines to find their own opinions.

But what does it really mean to identify as either a conservative or a liberal?  Both terms have been gaining negative reputations, largely thanks to the opposing efforts of each side to slander the other in the media (Alterman, 2004).  Conservatives are often regarded as outmoded, while liberals are seen as excessive spenders.  When the misconceptions accompanying the terms are overlooked, their actual viewpoints and stances can be critically compared. 

The principle difference between conservative and liberal beliefs is a contrasting view on what role government should hold in regulating society.  Conservatives conventionally believe in preserving traditional values and striving to maintain the status quo (Kirk, 2004).  Liberals generally accentuate the need for government assistance to achieve equality and maintain individual rights.  When these basic views are applied to public policy, it often appears that conservatives are opposed to excessive government intervention, while liberals believe such action is necessary to right societal wrongs.  In the words of staunch conservative President Reagan, “Government is not the solution to the problem.  Government is the problem” (Fleming, 2008).

While these generalizations are often true regarding the “big picture”, they fail to accurately describe views regarding specific economic and social issues.  Like any other group, people identifying as either conservative or liberal can have very different viewpoints among themselves.  It is impossible to create a perfect set of beliefs for either philosophy, and it is important to recognize that there are many different forms of both liberalism and conservatism.  People often compose their own beliefs from components of both, resulting in seemingly contradictorily forms such as liberal-conservatism.  Since both conservatism and liberalism are very broad ideas, it is difficult to label any particular viewpoint with certainty.

Practically, today there are an infinite number of issues in our society.  Nevertheless, even with disagreement everywhere, there are a few key social and economic issues that are widely held as being the most important.  Some of these popular issues include the economy, civil liberties, individual rights, education, war, taxes, gay marriage, religion, immigration, and equality.  This list is by no means exhaustive, but exploring this selection is sufficient to paint a clearer picture of the differing viewpoints of conservatives and liberals on these issues.

Conservatives and liberals often have very different ideas in the area of economic strategy.  Conservatives are very strong believers in capitalism and free market economies (Fleming, 2008).  They are usually opposed to excessive government intervention, believing that by using a laissez faire approach the market will regulate itself and concurrently produce the greatest economic growth.  Liberals differ in this area because they believe that capitalism is too motivated by greedy to adequately protect the rights of the people (Stanford, 2004).  They are usually supportive of legislation that increases government regulation to try and maintain socioeconomic equality.

In general, liberals will support welfare programs as a necessary expense to relieve poverty with government intervention.  Also, liberals often view health care as a universal right, and support progressive income tax policies to help pay for this.  It is often argued that such views are similar to the redistribution of wealth from the wealthy to the poor, and is reminiscent of socialism.  Conservatives oppose long-term welfare, citing its wasteful nature and downward spiraling dependency cycle as negatives.  Instead, programs that encourage self-reliance are supported.

With politicians also holding control over fiscal policy, electing officials with the right economic views is very important. Both groups are trying to be fiscally responsible, but the very meaning of that phrase varies greatly between them.  Because liberals believe strongly in individual civil liberties, they are supportive of policies that can counter-balance some of society’s injustices or flaws. Conservatives resent government trying to solve societal problems with costly policies such as universal health care, while liberals may view the costs of such a program as necessary to ensure societal equality (Kirk, 2004).

Since conservatives dislike disproportionate spending, their agendas are accordingly smaller, with attempts being made to achieve a balanced budget.  Setting a goal for fewer overall programs will result in lower government expenses, translating to lower taxes for the average American.  Conservatives believe lower taxes will leave workers with more money to reinvest into the economy.  With liberals advocating additional programs to fix social problems, higher taxes are expressively included with these extra services.  Liberals accept these higher taxes as a necessary cost for ensuring that freedom and equality can continue to exist in our society (Fisher, 2008).

In 2009, President Obama announced his proposed “spending plan” budget would total almost $4 trillion (MSNBC, 2009).  This proposed policy is an example of liberal legislation. By spending money, raising taxes on the wealthy, laying the foundation for universal healthcare, and providing funding for social programs, Obama’s administration is attempting to reverse the financial crisis.  Conservatives are opposed to plans of this magnitude, believing that such radical spending in attempts to help the economy is not within the role of government (McCain, 1999).  Conservatives are often concerned about spending that can raise budget deficits and for which future generations can be held financially liable.  Liberals would view this spending and accompanying future public debts as necessary to prevent an even greater harm.

Regarding public measures such as the spending plan, conservatives believe the merits of any such plan should be judged by its probable long-term consequences instead of its temporary advantages or popularity (Kirk, 2004).  According to Kirk, liberal legislation often moves too quickly in an effort to appease the public, and can create situations that are worse than the original one they intended to correct.

Besides conservative or liberal slants on economic issues, views regarding social issues are just as important in politics.  Since conservatism and liberalism are based on differing governing principals, they are committed to different social beliefs.  This includes dramatically different views on issues like abortion, capital punishment, affirmative action, immigration, religion and gay marriage.

With conservatism based upon traditional American and family values, conservatives are often resistant to immediately accepting new social or moral trends, and seek to preserve current values.  Conservatives generally adhere to custom, convention, and continuity (Kirk, 2004).  Liberals are often seen as being more tolerant and accepting of social deviance.  With values of individual liberty being held in the highest regard, things that deprive people of liberty are considered by liberals to be the most appalling.  Liberalism is generally opposed to restrictions on liberty, whether they are due to government policy or socioeconomic class structure (Stanford, 2007).  They also seek to ensure that government does not take away individuals’ rights, and will take action to restore rights that have been wrongfully denied.

Affirmative action is strongly opposed by conservatives because they believe strongly in each person having equal rights (StudentNewsDaily, 2005).  This spurs the position that race should never be taken into account over individual ability, and giving previously oppressed groups precedence in admissions and job applications is only another form of discrimination.  Liberals believe that racial discrimination has already disadvantaged many groups of people, and that it would be socially irresponsible of government to disregard that and not compensate for injustices.

Conceivably the most prominent example of an individual liberty violation, murder is universally regarded as the most terrible of all crimes.  Conservatives hold very strongly that every human being has an unalienable right to life (Fleming, 2008).  The exception to this is of course people who commit murder, punishable with death for taking an innocent life.  Similarly, it is for this same reason that conservatives are so strongly opposed to abortion.  Liberals interpret capital punishment as crude, and only perpetuating the very action it seeks to discourage.  They do not regard fetuses as a human life, and accordingly support women’s rights for choosing how to deal with their own body.  While both are opposed to the taking of lives, conservatives are very rigid in their interpretations of what is acceptable, while liberals are more open to different interpretations of what can be construed as “life”.

Following in this same direction, war and national defense are two topics in which liberals and conservatives often disagree. Despite both groups attempting to be fiscally responsible with defense spending, neither is willing to sacrifice national security in order to save money.  However, conservatives and liberals often take different approaches towards a strong national defense and fighting wars or terrorism.

Conservatives hold that a strong military presence is essential to keep our society safe.  In both the late 20th century and early 21st century, conservatives have been the ones driving increased United States military power (Fleming, 2008).  Liberals believe that an increased emphasis on communication and negotiation can be more effective than raw strength alone.  They view war as much more of a last resort than conservatives do.  Conservatives are more willing to temporarily sacrifice certain individual liberties like privacy to ensure national security.  Liberals would be staunchly opposed to the type of legislation similar to PATRIOT act.  Regarding foreign policy, conservatives tend to view the United States as holding an important role in the international community.   This “American exceptionalism” belief means that conservative foreign policy is often aimed at setting precedent and at guiding the world’s course.

Regarding religion in government, conservatives and liberals have different ideas as to what is acceptable.  Conservatives believe that since America was founded based on Christian beliefs, it is acceptable for some religious symbols to remain in government (Kirk, 2004).  Liberals believe strongly in separation of church and state, and seek to remove references to religious symbols from government (Stanford, 2007).  Because of their differing opinions, they would probably disagree on the legality of displaying objects rooted in religion like the Ten Commandments or the phrase, “In god we trust” on national currency.  It is important to recognize that both sides hold the right to religious freedom very strongly.  Essentially, conservatives tend to try to ensure that government regulations do not intervene with religious freedom, while liberals try to ensure that individual religious freedoms don’t interfere with government operations.

While conservatism and liberalism can differ on many issues, they are both important as means of expression.  Their very different core beliefs represent the great individuality in our society and in the minds of our country’s citizens.  As time goes on, both of these ideologies will surely continue to develop and adapt to respond to new changes in society.  In the end, we must recognize that while opinions may differ, working together for the common good must remain our primary goal.  Taking note of President Obama’s prudent words, we must bear in mind that, “There’s not a liberal America and a conservative America – there’s the United States of America.” (Brainy Quote, 2008).