In these polarised times, it is worth keeping in mind that from the age of enlightenment up until the new deal in the 1930s, what we now consider to be "liberals" and "conservatives" were basically the same. Even today, they remain committed to roughly the same liberal, democratic system but with some differences on the degree of government intervention in the economy and society and the extent of individual liberties.
Here's some things both (American) Liberals and Conservatives will probably agree on. Whilst you may not agree with everyone, or might have some reservations about each of them, chances are you agree with most of them.
- The United States should be Republic with an elected head of state.
- Rejection of hereditary titles of nobility
- No religion should become an established religion with offical privallages or recognition
- The seperation of powers between executive, legislative and judical branches of government
- The independence of the judiciary from political interference (such as the executive)
- The rule of law
- The Presumption of innocence and the burden of proof on the accuser
- Civillan control of the military and opposing military coups and dictatorships in the USA.
- The abolition of slavery and the slave trade
- Opposition to Child Labour
- Legal equality on the basis of gender, race and religion and rejection of segregation and discrimination by the state
- Freedom of the Press
- Freedom of Speech
- Freedom to peaceably assemble and the right to protest
- Freedom of Religion and religious tolerance
- The Right to Own Property
- The Right to Exchange, Buy and Sell Property
- The right to vote in free, fair and competitive elections with multiple parties (and that a one-party state isn't a "real" democracy and cannot represent the people)
- The right to privacy and opposition to mass survaillance by governments and corporations
- Government should not regulate people's sexual activities in the bedroom
What else do Liberals and Conservatives agree on? Can you think of any others?