Conservatism vs Liberal Conservatism
Conservatism values tradition, social stability and inherited institutions, and prefers gradual, tested change over large reforms based on abstract plans.
- Change should be gradual and build on existing institutions.
- Family, religion, local community and the nation give people meaning and stability.
- Human nature is imperfect, so laws and customs are needed to restrain it.
Liberal conservatism pairs free-market economics and individual rights with respect for established institutions, national traditions and gradual, cautious change.
- Free markets and private enterprise are the best path to prosperity.
- Individual rights and the rule of law must be protected by a constitution.
- Established institutions such as parliament, courts and the monarchy or presidency deserve respect.
- Conservatism: petals and stars
- Liberal Conservatism: dashed outline
★ Where they differ most
- Trade60 points apart
Conservatism: Protected (mild). Liberal Conservatism: Global (mild).
- Authority30 points apart
Conservatism: Strong leader (mild). Liberal Conservatism: Balanced.
- Morality30 points apart
Conservatism: Traditional (strong). Liberal Conservatism: Traditional (moderate).
- Technology30 points apart
Conservatism: Caution (moderate). Liberal Conservatism: Caution (mild).
★ Where they are closest
- Ownership · 0 apart
- Structure · 10 apart
- Welfare · 10 apart
Axis by axis
Liberal Conservatism
Economy
Equality / Markets- OwnershipModerate: Private25%75%PublicPrivate
- MarketsModerate: Free28%72%PlannedFree
- WelfareModerate: Self-reliant23%77%SharedSelf-reliant
State and liberty
Liberty / Authority- AuthorityMild: Strong leader35%65%DemocraticStrong leader
- SecurityStrong: Order18%82%LibertyOrder
- StructureMild: Central45%55%LocalCentral
Society
Progress / Tradition- MoralityStrong: Traditional13%87%ProgressiveTraditional
- ReligionStrong: Religious18%82%SecularReligious
- TechnologyModerate: Caution25%75%EmbraceCaution
- CultureStrong: National identity13%87%MulticulturalNational identity
World
Global / Nation- TradeMild: Protected35%65%GlobalProtected
- Foreign policyStrong: Strength18%82%CooperationStrength
★ 12 Axes Political Test ★
How close are you to Conservatism or Liberal Conservatism?
Answer plain statements on 12 axes and see your match with Conservatism or Liberal Conservatism and every other profile on the site, axis by axis.
FAQ
Conservatism vs Liberal Conservatism
What is the difference between Conservatism and Liberal Conservatism?
Conservatism values tradition, social stability and inherited institutions, and prefers gradual, tested change over large reforms based on abstract plans. Liberal conservatism pairs free-market economics and individual rights with respect for established institutions, national traditions and gradual, cautious change. On the 12 axes they differ most on trade, authority, morality.
What do Conservatism and Liberal Conservatism have in common?
Their positions are closest on ownership, structure, welfare. Overall their profiles are a 87% match on the 12 axes used by the 12 Axes Political Test.
Am I closer to Conservatism or Liberal Conservatism?
Take the 12 Axes Political Test. Your result shows your match with both, and with every other ideology on the site, axis by axis.