What is the Difference Between Conservatism and Liberalism?

Conservatism and liberalism are two opposing political philosophies that have shaped the world of politics for centuries. The main differences between these two ideologies can be summarized as follows:

Conservatism:

• Resists change and seeks to preserve existing structures.
• Believes in personal responsibility, limited government, free markets, and individual liberty.
• Prioritizes stability and law and order to protect private property.
• Opposes long-term welfare and promotes self-reliance.
• Emphasizes the particularity of cultural values and their importance to political and social stability.

Liberalism:

• Embraces change and seeks to reduce inequality.
• Advocates for universal access to healthcare, education, and other social services.
• Supports government intervention to ensure that personal health is not dependent on one's financial resources.
• Believes in safeguarding political freedom and defends human rights as belonging to everyone.
• Views the world as a less dangerous place than conservatives and is more open to change.

These differences in worldview can explain many policy disagreements between conservatives and liberals, such as support for gun ownership, border enforcement, and increased spending on police and the military. The terms "conservative" and "liberal" can have different meanings in various contexts, countries, and over time, but the above comparisons generally represent the philosophies as they are used in American politics, with some references to the UK and Australia.

Comparative Table: Conservatism vs Liberalism

Here is a table comparing the differences between conservatism and liberalism:

Please note that these are general differences, and the specific policies and views of conservative and liberal parties may vary depending on the country and context.