A liberal is someone who believes in liberalism, a political philosophy that focuses on freedoms and equality. Those who identify as liberal may or may not align with the Democratic party, which is one of two major political parties in the United States.

Generally, people who believe in liberalism tend to favor social reform and economic policy that aims to reduce poverty while promoting equal opportunities. They support progressive taxation, which means that those who earn more money pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes. They also usually support policies that protect previously disadvantaged groups, such as the death penalty and women’s rights.

On the other hand, those who believe in conservatism are often wary of government intervention in the economy. They believe the government should only be involved in regulating certain things, like the environment or public safety. In addition, those who hold conservative beliefs believe that the government should not interfere with religion or family.

The biggest distinction between liberals and conservatives has to do with how much they believe in personal freedoms. Liberals are more likely to prioritize freedom and equality over limiting personal choices, while conservatives focus on preserving the past and maintaining traditional values.

According to a 2021 Gallup poll, Americans’ political ideologies have not changed much in the last decade, but the number of liberals has gone up slightly as a percentage of the overall population. Those who identify as Democrats, however, have seen the biggest shifts. People with the highest education levels have become more likely to be liberal than those without a college degree.