So, living in Utah, most people I know are conservative by default without really knowing much about what that means. I think people around here for the most part understand the difference between social issues, like that its more conservative to be against gay marriage.

However, in my experience in Utah people usually either disagree or are surprised that economic conservatism means minimal government participation, or a “smaller federal government,” even though its a commonly understood principle. In other words, the further right you go on the scale, the less you believe the government should impose rules and regulations, and the more you believe that the government should tax less and eliminate more social programs, allowing private parties to provide these services. Theoretically, anarchy (or pure capitalism amongst private parties without any government involvement) is the most “right” one can go.

These days solutions to issues can fall on both the left or right side of the spectrum. Its possible to be economically conservative but still be interested in solutions to improve the environment for instance. I think we will see that market driven solutions by privateers will make a much more efficient change to the environment than slow capital hill tax fund eating bureaucrats.

As an example, Utah companies are some of the country’s leaders in developing renewable energy sources like bio-diesel. A norweigan company called Havgul is making plans to build the world’s largest wind farm. In my opinion the best thing government can do to help in these situations is to regulate as little as possible.

Anyway, there is an interesting and really short test you can take online that tells you how conservative or liberal you are in all of the different aspects government plays in our lives. Here is my breakdown. You can click on the link at the bottom to take the test yourself.

 

Your Political Profile:

Overall: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal

Social Issues: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

Personal Responsibility: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal

Fiscal Issues: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

Ethics: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal

Defense and Crime: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal