Liberal Ideology

• The Liberal ideology, as embodied by the Democratic Party of the United States, is something close to the idea of Social Liberalism. This ideology is supportive of labor unions, farmers and other jobs that are termed "blue collar." Social programs for the poor, minorities and various other groups are supported. Taxes and increased regulations for business are another defining aspect of this ideology.
  
  

Conservative Ideology

• Conservative ideology, as embodied by the Republican Party of the United States, is somewhat different than the Democrat ideology. Republicans believe in lowering taxes, especially on the wealthy. They also oppose many of the social programs and other government spending introduced by Democrats, and advocate for what is commonly referred to as "small government." They believe in deregulation, and the wisdom of markets to regulate the economic system.
  
  

Ambiguity and Conflict

• David Amodio, assistant professor of psychology at New York University, has demonstrated in a study that, beyond stated beliefs, there are also some significant differences between the brains of liberals and conservatives. He found that liberals were more responsive to informational complexity, ambiguity and novelty. Conservatives, on the other hand, had a more structured and persistent cognitive style. These neurological differences influence the thinking of liberals and conservatives.
  
  

New Experience and Change

• There is also science to suggest that liberals and conservatives are neurologically different when it comes to new experiences and change. Liberals, it is believed, are more open to new experiences, and the change associated with new experiences. Conservatives, on the other hand, are more persistent and structured with their judgments. It should be no surprise, based on this, that conservatives often place great value on things like family values and, more generally, the heritage of the country.