Liberals vs. Conservatives

CONSERVATIVES - believe in personal responsibility, limited government, free markets, individual liberty, traditional American values and a strong national defense. Believe the role of government should be to provide people the freedom necessary to pursue their own goals. Conservative policies generally emphasize empowerment of the individual to solve problems.

Conservative Stance on Major issues in the 1970s

Keep death penalty
Against gay marriage
Against abortion
Against affirmative action
Lower taxes, smaller government
Free market system, competitive capitalism

LIBERALS - believe in governmental action to achieve equal opportunity and equality for all, and that it is the duty of the State to alleviate social ills and to protect civil liberties and individual and human rights. Believe the role of the government should be to guarantee that no one is in need. Believe that people are basically good. Liberal policies generally emphasize the need for the government to solve people's problems.

Liberal Stance on Major Issues in the 1970s

Replace death penalty with life sentence

Mother's choice to have an abortion

Marriage should be legal for gays to ensure equal rights

Support affirmative action based on the belief that America is still a racist society

Higher taxes and a larger government

A market system in which the government regulates the economy