Liberalism vs. Conservatism — What's the Difference?

A belief in individual rights and equality.

A belief in upholding traditional values and norms.

An approach that often backs a strong role for government.

A political stance resisting rapid social changes.

An economic viewpoint favoring regulated markets.

An approach that generally supports limited government.

Liberalism is a political and moral philosophy based on liberty, consent of the governed and equality before the law. Liberals espouse a wide array of views depending on their understanding of these principles, but they generally support individual rights (including civil rights and human rights), democracy, secularism, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion and a market economy.

An economic perspective favoring free markets.

The state or quality of being liberal.

A viewpoint often skeptical of international institutions.

A political theory founded on the natural goodness of humans and the autonomy of the individual and favoring civil and political liberties, government by law with the consent of the governed, and protection from arbitrary authority.

Conservatism is the aesthetic, cultural, social, and political outlook that embodies the desire to conserve existing things, held to be either good in themselves, or better than the likely alternatives, or at least safe, familiar, and the objects of trust and affection.The central tenets of conservatism may vary in relation to the traditions and values of the culture and civilization in which it appears. In Western culture, conservatives seek to conserve a range of things such as organized religion, property rights, parliamentary government, family values, the natural environment, and classical and vernacular architecture.

Often Liberalism The tenets or policies of a Liberal party.

The inclination, especially in politics, to maintain the existing or traditional order.

An economic theory in favor of laissez-faire, the free market, and the gold standard.

A political philosophy or attitude that emphasizes respect for traditional institutions and opposes the attempt to achieve social change through legislation or publicly funded programs.

A 19th-century Protestant movement that favored free intellectual inquiry, stressed the ethical and humanitarian content of Christianity, and de-emphasized dogmatic theology.

Caution or moderation, as in behavior or outlook.

A 19th-century Roman Catholic movement that favored political democracy and ecclesiastical reform but was theologically orthodox.

A political philosophy that advocates traditional values.

The quality of being liberal.

A risk-averse attitude or approach.

(politics) Any political movement founded on the autonomy and personal freedom of the individual, progress and reform, and government by law with the consent of the governed.

The disposition and tendency to preserve what is established; opposition to change; the habit of mind; or conduct, of a conservative.

(economics) An economic ideology in favour of laissez faire and the free market (related to economic liberalism).

A political or theological orientation advocating the preservation of the best in society and opposing radical changes

Liberal principles; the principles and methods of the liberals in politics or religion; specifically, the principles of the Liberal party.

A political orientation that favors progress and reform

An economic theory advocating free competition and a self-regulating market and the gold standard

A political philosophy emphasizing progress and reform.

A stance supporting international cooperation.

Liberalism generally supports international cooperation, alliances, and shared global goals.

Liberalism might favor regulated markets and safety nets, while Conservatism leans towards free markets with minimal government intervention.

Liberalism often supports a more active government role, especially in ensuring individual rights.

Conservatism often champions individual enterprise and self-reliance.

Conservatism values and seeks to preserve established traditions and norms.

No, Conservatism can also be a cultural or social stance prioritizing tradition and established norms.

The Democratic Party often leans liberal, while the Republican Party tends to be more conservative, though there are variations within each party.

Liberalism emphasizes individual rights, equality, and freedoms.

Not necessarily; they tend to resist rapid or untested changes but can support reforms rooted in tradition.

No, there's a wide range of beliefs within both Liberalism and Conservatism.

Conservatism often prioritizes national interests and can be skeptical of international agreements.

Yes, people can hold liberal views on some issues and conservative views on others.

No, many people hold nuanced views that don't fit neatly into either category.

Both philosophies have evolved, adapting to changing social, political, and economic contexts.

Liberalism often seeks progress and reform, while Conservatism values maintaining established traditions.