Liberalism vs Conservatism essays

Liberalism vs Conservatism essays In the world of politics there are two very essential concepts that govern political thought and create policies and laws. These two concepts are conservatism and liberalism. Liberalism supports a more active role of government, policies to help minorities and the disadvantaged, higher spending and more regulation and policies to redistribute wealth through taxation. Conservatism supports a greater reliance on the free market, a market in which the disadvantaged and minorities can support themselves, fewer government regulations, and lower taxes. Liberalism and conservatism have been political ideas and thoughts from the very birth of our democracy. Their views and points of the governments role in a democratic society have changed over the years, but the basic ideas and principles have remained the same. There are many different degrees of liberalism and conservatism as almost anyone can be labeled. Some individuals are radical and extreme while others stand on more of a neutral te rritory, but the debates between the understood ideas of each group have continued throughout the history of the United States. Liberty, rights, justice and equality are ideals liberalists view as the most important aspects in the democracy of America. One cause for the break down of democracy in America stems from the administrations of Ronald Reagan and George Bush. Because of the Cold War era and the insecurities it brought to the American people, the administrations thought it was necessary to tighten down and take control. To do this they called for more powers to the executive branch. As a result, liberals began to see more of an authoritarian government take shape, and the term imperial presidency was created. . They also feel America has recently drawn away from these ideals and is therefore not as democratic as it once was or can be in the future. There are many issues, in wich liberals have their views to. Liberals are pro-...