This chart is taken from studentnewsdaily.com (2005) and seems to be a pretty fair representation. I have edited the format to improve readability.
Remember: This is subjective social science. (Subject to debate and interpretation.) -Mr. B.
General Philosophies “LIBERALS” - believe in government 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. (Most are DEMOCRATS) “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. (Most are REPUBLICANS)
Views on Specific Topics of Debate: ISSUE
LIBERAL
CONSERVATIVE
Abortion
A fetus is not a human life.
The decision to have an abortion is a personal choice of a woman regarding her own body and the government should stay out of it. Women should be guaranteed the right to a safe and legal abortion, including partial birth abortion.
Human life begins at conception. Abortion ends the life of a human being. Support legislation to prohibit partial birth abortions, called the “Partial Birth Abortion Ban.”
Affirmative Action
Due to prevalent racism in the past, minorities were deprived of the same education and employment opportunities as whites. We need to make up for that. Support affirmative action based on the belief that racism is still a problem in America. Minorities still lag behind whites