Whats the difference between liberal and conservative?

I dont know much about politics. I feel kind of dumb because I'm 21 years old and I probably should. But now I'm faced with having to write a paper for a college class and I dont really know much about the difference between liberal and conservative. Can anyone help me on this?Whats the difference between liberal and conservative?
Truthfully. In the real political spectrum of ideologies, they are just right (conservatives) and just left (liberal) of moderate or middle of the road. The conservatives are are between moderate and libertarians. The liberals are between moderate and socialist.





The true difference comes in there beliefs.





Liberals believe in ';social justice'; or fairness. This entails a certain level of equality in society of the people. To get to this point of ';fairness'; they are willing to give a little freedom. They to an extent believe in equality over freedom. This entails a certain level of socialism in society. Education, Health care, and other programs. While some of these programs may be necessary in a civilized society, others are generally referred to an invasion on certain liberties or freedoms. Liberals also believe that the constitution spells out our rights, and therefore our rights are given to us by the constitution and the government.





Conservatives on the other hand believe in freedom over equality. While they realize that some programs that are socialistic in nature are necessary in a civilized society, they feel that an overly intrusive government is detrimental to freedom. They feel that our rights are bestowed to us at birth (conception for those with a more religious emphasis) and are ours for being human. The only thing that government can do is to place restrictions or even remove those rights from the individual. Conservatives believe that the constitution was written as a limitation on the federal government and not on the people.





Now please don't confuse these with the titles of republican and democrat. They do not hold true to the ideals of either ideology. Even within the parties there is a grand swing to both ends.





We must be careful with either end of the spectrum. Without a balance the liberals can become socialist (many over one), the conservatives can become libertarians (one over many). Both can in the end wind up as totalitarians (one or group over many).Whats the difference between liberal and conservative?
Republicans believe in limitations to government, particularly at the federal level. They are against expanding the federal government, feeling that this level is the least responsive to the people. Strict concervatives in the party believe that the Constitution is what it is, particularly the 10th Amendment. If it isn't in there, it belongs to the states and local government, which is closer to the people and thus more responsive to them.





Fiscal conservatives extend this belief to the monetary policy. They believe that government has an oversight role in business to make sure that people are playing fair, but other than that they should stay out of business. A fiscal conservative would argue that the current economic crisis was a result of government interference in the housing market, causing a bubble in values in pursuit of affordable housing for all. They also believe that the best way to spur on the economy is to remove restrictions on business and success (taxes being key here).





Republicans are NOT for the rich. They are for getting government out of everyone's way so all can succeed. They choose not to engage in the class warfare that liberals love so much. Conservatives realize that punishing anyone with unfair taxes only discourages investment and growth.





There is alot of talk about Democrats wanting to help the little guy and raise taxes on businesses. When the cost of doing business increases (such as by raising taxes), who do you think pays for that? The little guy in the form of higher prices for goods and services. Because those costs WILL get passed on to us.
Conservatives believe in family values. marriage between one man and one woman. pro-life, patriotism, God, love of country, capitalism, small government, less taxes. Liberals believe anything can be a family, marriage between anything that feels good, pro-killing babies, Hate God, loves the world government over our country, socialism, big controlling government, more taxes. Pretty much sums it up. If you write this in your paper be prepared to be slammed by your teacher.
Liberals want to solve everyone's problems with everyone else's money.


Conservatives want to maximize your opportunity to make your own money and solve your own problems.


Liberals think the government is the ultimate answer to all problems, and that there is no problem they can't solve by higher taxes and more spending.


Conservatives think that government should be limited and small and interfere only as absolutely necessary in people's affairs.
This year it is Rich vs. Poor.


Regulations to protect the poor and middle class vs. Deregulation to make the rich richer.


paul krugman.
Conservatives work for a living. Liberals live to sponge off Conservatives.
everything. they are opposite ends of the spectrum.
Conservatives are logical;


Liberals are emotional.
Charles M nailed it.
I agree with the first 3 answers, and the one immediately below mine.