system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: the difference between liberal and conservative views in the US?

What are the major differences between liberals and conservatives in the US?
gpt
First off, the exact uses vary by location, and elected officials rarely stick firmly to ideological guns over what's politically practical. That being said:

Liberals generally (claim to) favor:

* Permissive social policies, including legal gay marriage and abortions.
* An active government role in the economy via welfare programs, subsidies, and regulation.
* Legal protections for groups perceived to be disadvantaged: minorities, women, the poor, etc.
* More active government involvement in private/business life, like environmental or health regulations.
* Generally anti-war policies.

Conservatives, on the other hand, generally (claim to) favor:

* Traditional social values, usually including banning abortions and gay marriage.
* A relatively hands-off government with respect to the economy, including reduced regulation, subsidies, and welfare programs.
* Lack of antidiscrimination laws, on the basis that they infringe individual freedoms (that is, if you choose to be racist or sexist, you should be permitted to do so).
* Less active government in private or business life.
* Generally pro-defense sector policies.

For example, someone far left (very liberal) might want to ban hamburgers to reduce obesity in the name of a healthier population; someone far-right would generally argue that people should be able to live unhealthy lifestyles if they so choose.