People's opinions on a wide range of issues are influenced or determined by the kinds of fundamental belief systems they hold. Therefore, the difference in the nature of opinions between individuals or groups of people hints at the existence of distinct belief systems. Throughout history, the distinction between liberalism and conservatism has become more vivid especially in the political arena, where different actors have expressed opposing views regarding the future of the nation. It is in fact indisputable that the fundamental beliefs of liberalism are diametrically opposed to those of conservatism. This essay will provide a definition of each term and describe how the two contrast each other. Liberalism is a political ideology that takes pride in and emphasizes the need for equal rights and respect for human freedom. Encourage the implementation of change as the only way to solve today's challenges. On the other hand, conservatism as a political ideology advocates the need to embrace the lessons of the past and apply them to solve today's problems. Therefore, he opposes revolution or change and instead finds pride in traditions (Conservatism vs. Liberalism, 2008). Liberalism supports a number of issues. First, liberals believe that there should be a formal contract or agreement between the people and their democratically elected government on a number of issues. For example, the government, while ensuring the common good of all, has a duty to protect the rights of people while respecting limited powers. In other words, the government is expected to govern with moderation and never attempt to interfere with the private rights and freedom of the people. Therefore, on the basis of mutual benefit and convenience, the formal agreement in… middle of paper… conservatives portray human nature in a much less admirable way than liberals. For example, they see man as a selfish being, capable of good and evil. Man should fight evil with good and any evil committed should not be blamed on society but on the person who committed it. Consequently, individuals who commit evil should be punished individually (Downing, 2010). From the description of liberalism and conservatism given in this essay, it is seen that both aspects of liberalism and conservatism are useful in governance as opposing views can be used to increase consensus and benefit everyone. Taking one side and ignoring the other can only lead to negative social, political and economic consequences. To build a brilliant democratic system, both liberalism and conservatism must be merged as both aspects carry with them valuable ideologies..