Introduction
The paper is a critical analysis of the opposing views of the role of the government held by the liberals and the conservatives. It is evident that these two groups ideally hold varying views with regards to the role of the government as well as other important factors in governance.
Liberal vs. conservative
Conservative is also known as the right or right-wing in the context of the United States. As suggested by Schneider 98 individuals in this category strongly believe that the government should work with the people and not over them, stand by their sides and not riding over people.
The government should have limited influence when deciding things. The key to prosperity is personal responsibility. This can be seen in the eyes of government trying to craft laws that would encourage Foreign Direct Investment between her and other friendly countries (Schneider 89).
This has seen to it that the citizens of involved countries seize the opportunities and set up businesses in other foreign countries. Another example can be seen when upon taking office President Bush called the Congress to pass laws and policies that would relief Americans from heavy taxation.
Ideally conservatives believe that the government should actively indulge and other relevant stakeholders before arriving at any conclusion particularly with regards to laws that directly or indirectly affect individuals.
It is the role of the government to ensure that right policies are in place so that the citizens feel secure. Similarly conservatives are of the view that once people exercise personal responsibility and the government has ensured desired freedom, the pie will be much bigger for everyone.
The government does not solve the societal problems; this is the role of citizen since the government has provided the desired degree of freedom. It is the role of the government to ensure that things remain the way they are or even returned to the previous state (Ballou 129).
On the other hand, liberals are sometimes referred to as the left or left wing. Liberals are of the view that “it is the duty and responsibility of the government to achieve equal as well as equality for all” (Scott 74).
On the same note liberals hold that it is the duty of the government to direct resources and efforts towards eliminating the various social ills such as theft, murder and prostitution so that individuals are protected and human rights standards upheld.
It is worth noting that liberals see the government to be responsible in ensuring that no one is in need. The policies to be developed fully emphasizes that it is the role of the government to solve societal problems be they economic, social, environmental or political (Scott 42).
Decisions are usually made by the government without thorough consultations with other relevant stakeholders. A typical example of how liberals believe the government should work is by passing laws and policies that will help deter some social ills such as corruption, prostitution, murder among others.
It is no doubt that liberals believe that the government need to force individuals as well as organizations to comply with existing laws and policies (Scott 201).
Conclusion
It is evident that liberals and conservatives hold varying views with regards to the role of the government.
Whereas liberal strongly believe that it is the role of the government to solve problems in the society, conservatives strongly believe that government should play a minimal role of only ensuring that the desired freedom is in place to ensure that individuals can realize their goals. Individual should exercise personal responsibility and solve problems.
Works Cited
Ballou, Olivier. The Graphic Guide to Conservatism: A visual primer on the conservative worldview. London: Sage, 2011. Print.
Schneider, Gregory. Conservatism in America since 1930: A reader. New York: Wiley & Sons, 2003. Print.
Scott, Arnold. Imposing values: An essay on liberalism and regulation. New York: Oxford University Press, 2009. Print.