When it comes to political ideology, Liberal vs Democrat is more of an ideological distinction than a party one belongs to. Democrats are usually associated with liberalism (a political philosophy based on progress), while Republicans are typically considered conservative in their beliefs and positions. However, the ideologies and positions of both parties are often subject to change over time.

A political liberal is someone who supports freedoms and equality for all people and believes the government should be involved in a wide range of social welfare programs to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Some examples of these policies include advocating for civil rights for minorities and women, gun control, equal marriage, less restrictive immigration laws, and supporting environmental protection programs.

In contrast, a conservative is someone who believes that the best way to achieve freedom and equality is by following tradition and keeping society stable. They support the death penalty, oppose abortion rights, and tend to favor more restrictive immigration laws. Conservatives are also more likely to favor increases in military spending and a more hawkish foreign policy.

In terms of partisanship, Americans have generally been more liberal than conservative since Gallup began asking about ideology in 1972. But the trend is more striking when considering nonwhite Democratic-oriented voters, who are historically less likely than whites to self-identify as liberal. This could be a sign of a growing racial gap in political ideology.