Liberalism and Conservatism
The major difference between liberals and conservatives can best be understood as a philosophical
difference of opinion on what is best for society. Liberals believe society can and should be changed for the
better and that government can be a positive force in achieving a better society. Conservatives tend to
believe that the traditions and values that people have developed over hundreds, or even thousands, of years
are essential in maintaining a decent society. They accept social change only slowly and only after it has
been shown to be effective. In American politics, this basic philosophical difference is clearly demonstrated
in three general areas.
Government Regulation of Business
Liberals believe the government should intervene in the economy to protect workers and consumers
and to promote economic equality. Safety regulations, the minimum wage, and environmental regulations
are examples of ways that the government regulates businesses. Conservatives, on the other hand, believe
that the free market works best without government interference. The historical roots of this disagreement lie
in America’s “gilded age” in the late 1800s. The government began to regulate businesses in this country in
response to poor working conditions, pollution, and monopolies during this period. While conservatives
support basic government regulations to protect worker safety, etc., most feel the government has gone too
far in this direction. They would like to see government regulations scaled back. One way to look at this is
that conservatives see government regulation as a threat to liberty, while liberals see unregulated
corporations as a greater threat.
Government Social Welfare Programs
Liberals believe that the government should provide assistance to people in need through programs
like Medicaid, student loans, unemployment compensation, etc. Conservatives believe that individuals
should provide for themselves, or if they cannot, then private charities are best suited to help the needy.
Most conservatives today would probably not totally eliminate government assistance programs, but they
would limit them. Strong conservatives may propose to do away with them completely.
Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal greatly increased the government’s role in assisting the needy during
the Great Depression. Social Security, government employment programs, and other social welfare
programs were initiated during this time.
Social Issues
Liberals are more open to change and more willing to challenge traditional values. They believe
some traditional values (for example, the idea of “traditional marriage”) restrict the rights of some minorities.
Conservatives are hesitant to see traditional values set aside. They would argue that families are the bedrock
of society, and that preserving traditional marriage will help preserve families.
The 1960s produced radical social change in America. From increased acceptance of illegal drug
use and premarital sex to young people’s willingness to challenge authority (as demonstrated in resistance to
the Vietnam War, among other things), many Americans began to challenge traditional values. The Civil
Rights Movement (1960s) challenged the traditional concept of racial equality, especially in the South. The
feminist movement (1970s) sought to achieve equality for women by challenging the limits placed on them
by their traditional roles as wives and mothers. For many conservatives, the rapid pace of these far-reaching
changes threatened, and still threatens, American society. Therefore, they would like to see the government
take steps (like banning same-sex marriage, abortion, and passing a Constitutional amendment banning the
burning of the flag) to prevent these changes.
Conclusion
Liberals, then, would like to see the government more active in protecting workers, consumers, and
promoting economic equality. At the same time they would like to see the government less active in
protecting traditional social values. This makes sense when you recall that liberals would like to see the
government taking an active role in changing society for the better. Conservatives, on the other hand, would
like to preserve (or conserve) traditional American values, including a limited government that does not
interfere in the economy.
Mr. Maurer
America in History 3
Name: ________________________
Date: _________________
Reading Assessment – Liberalism and Conservatism
____ 1. Which of these would be the most accurate statement about the philosophy of liberals and
conservatives?
a. Liberals are less likely to accept social change than conservatives.
b. Conservatives are less likely to accept social change than liberals.
c. Liberals and conservatives both oppose social change.
d. Social change is irrelevant to the ideologies of liberalism and conservatism.
____ 2. According to your handout, which of these is an example of the government trying to change society
for the better that conservatives resisted?
a. young people’s opposition to the Vietnam War in the 1960s
b. laws making abortions illegal
c. the Great Depression
d. the New Deal
____ 3. Which of these statements best exemplifies the liberal position about the role of government?
a. Government should restrict individuals’ personal behavior to keep it in line with morals and values that are
centuries old.
b. Government should allow the free market to operate without interference as much as possible.
c. Charities are better suited to helping the needy than government.
d. Government should take an active role in eliminating inequality that results from social factors.
____ 4. According to the handout, who was more likely to support the feminist movement of the 1970s?
a. liberals
b. conservatives
c. both were equally likely
d. neither were likely
____ 5. Why would conservatives oppose the social movements of the 1960s and 70s?
a. Because conservatives believe that young people, blacks, and women should not have the same rights as
adult white males.
b. Because conservatives oppose all social change, no matter how effective it has proven to be.
c. Because conservatives believed these movements threatened the values, traditions, and morals that are
important in preserving a decent society.
d. Conservatives did not oppose the social movements of the 1960s and 70s.
____ 6. Which of these statements about conservatives is most accurate?
a. Conservatives would like to see the government take an active role in preserving traditional morality, but
not in promoting economic equality.
b. Conservatives would like to see the government take an active role in promoting economic equality, but
not in preserving traditional morality.
c. Conservatives would like to see the government take an active role in promoting economic equality AND
in preserving traditional morality.
d. Conservatives would NOT like to see the government take an active role in promoting economic equality
OR in preserving traditional morality.
____7. Which of these statements about liberals is most accurate?
a. Liberals would like to see the government take an active role in preserving traditional morality, but not in
promoting economic equality.
b. Liberals would like to see the government take an active role in promoting economic equality, but not in
preserving traditional morality.
c. Liberals would like to see the government take an active role in promoting economic equality AND in
preserving traditional morality.
d. Liberals would NOT like to see the government take an active role in promoting economic equality OR in
preserving traditional morality.