What is the difference between conservatism and libertarianism?

Question

What is the difference between conservatism and libertarianism?

Answer 1

Conservatives like to stick to tradition, keep things as they are, and are slower to accept change. Liberals seek out change all the time.

Politically, Conservatives favor reduced taxes, smaller government, support the death penalty, and oppose abortion. Liberals favor more government involvement, look upon the government as a way to solve problems, support g*y marriage, and oppose public religious displays.

Either one can be taken too far. Extreme Conservatism is the n**i movement, extreme liberalism is Communism.

There you go, an unbiased, serious answer, even if it was very, very simplified.

Answer 2

libertarians are basically the ultimate personal rights group...almost what conservatives used to be 20 years ago.  conservatives are basically the christian reich now a days...libertarians are the opposite of authoritarians...ron paul is pretty much a libertarian...

Answer 3

Conservatives opt for structured liberties. Libertarians tend to shun the structure.