Liberal/conservative, Democrat/Republican, Libertarian/Authoritarian - what are the differences?

[krazykikikat]

That is somewhat of a rhetorical question. That is, I'm not asking because I don't know, I'm asking more for the opinions and interpretations of others. I consider myself a Democrat and mostly liberal, but I am conservative on some issues as well -- though I think that is essentially the definition of Democrats these days.
Actually, I have a theory even further than that:
In general, most conservatives are Republicans, and the names become synonymous, even though they're not. The truth is that most Republicans are liberal in economy and conservative in social matters, whereas Democrats range from conservative in economy and liberal in social matters to conservative in economy and conservative in social matters. Maybe even some are liberal in economy.
I dunno if this is accurate, but it seems to me that Democrats are more all over the map in relation to the conservative/liberal line, whereas Republicans are often split, conservative on some issues and liberal on others, but usually closer to the same feelings on the same issues.
What do you think?

Just incidentally, I'm curious where most people who frequent DU would fall on the left/right Authoritarian/Libertarian spectrum. If you're interested, take this quiz: http://www.politicalcompass.org/test and then let me know what you got, in terms of "extreme, moderate, mild" for each axis.
Where do you think the average Democrat falls? The average Republican?


I took the quiz just now and found that I am moderate Left, moderate Libertarian.