There are crosscutting cleavages between liberals and conservatives because the issues that are causing these crosscutting cleavages are issues that liberals (people who are willing to disregard traditional values in politics) and conservatives (people who believe traditional values are important in politics) are debating over. They have opposite views over these matters. These crosscutting cleavages are based on race, ethnicity, religion, region, and education.
Good question
America should have a strong national defence
Liberals and conservatives in America believe in the importance of liberty and equal rights. The problem for both groups tends to come up with regards to money, position and even race or gender. Our constitution says all men (meaning both men and women) are created equal which should mean we all have the same rights to start out with. But, because we are human, it all gets muddied up somewhere at a very early age. Try as we will humans have always found reasons to discriminate against other humans. In fact even the liberals and conservatives have found ways to discriminate against each other. Basically we all want the same things. Its just that some folks believe they will have to make the extra effort to get it and others think they should be entitled to it. Hopefully you and your friends can come up with a better solution because my generation sure hasn't solved it yet.
There is no one official "ultra- conservative" view, although ultra-conservatives do share certain beliefs and perceptions. Ultra conservatives generally believe the government should be as small as possible and tax the citizens only enough to provide for the common defense of our country. They usually also believe the United States should not be involved in world events any more than necessary for our own safety and well being. It should also be mentioned that in America, there are several kinds of ultra-conservatives. One kind is dominated by a particular interpretation of Christianity, and is very anti-abortion, as well as opposed to gay marriage. Some ultra-conservatives also oppose contraception and are against divorce as well. Other ultra-conservatives believe the government has no duty to provide a social safety net for its citizens, and this group opposes such American social programs as Social Security and Medicare. These ultra-conservatives believe private enterprise (churches, civic groups, etc), rather than the government, should take care of the poor and the needy.
Because they just KEEP getting in the way of fascists who don't know they are fascists, and THINK they are Republicans, when they want to do "reasonable" things, like wage unilateral wars on any old trumped up pretext, just like the granddaddy of all Fascists, Hitler. Or because they won't QUIT whining over "stolen elections" whenever the fascists manage to steal one fair and square like they did in 2000, 2004 or 1876. You do realize don't you....wait, what am I saying....if you had paid attention in fourth grade you would know that America was founded by Liberals, it was Liberals who fought the Revolution, its thanks to Liberal thought that you're free to spew your drivel, and if you had been alive at the time of the Revolution you and all the scum like you would have been the biggest, fattest Loyalists and Tories in town. But feel free, and if you do, you should go find a Liberal and thank them for it.
Most liberals like it. Most conservatives hate it. Liberals see the limiting of marriage to heterosexual couples only as discriminatory and unconstitutional. Conservatives view the legalization of same-sex marriage as a violation of their own personal religious beliefs and a long-standing tradition of oppressing gays and lesbians.
No, Liberals are Americans too.
Liberals generally believe in more government involvement in our lives. For example they are for entitlement programs such as welfare, and social security. They also believe that things like abortion, and gay marriage should be legal. Primarily most middle and lower class people are liberal, because liberals are for usually for helping "Main Street America." However, there are always exceptions to the rule. For instance, some conservatives are for Main Street, and some upper class citizens are identified as liberals.
Good question
Yes.
Because in Europe, Liberals far outnumber Conservatives, so Liberal is very close to the average person's opinion, so it is (accurately) perceived as "middle of the road" in tha place. In the U.S., About half the population is Liberal and half Conservative, so Liberals are seen as having a position that is not so near the "middle of the road."
Liberals generally believe in more government involvement in our lives. For example they are for entitlement programs such as welfare, and social security. They also believe that things like abortion, and gay marriage should be legal. Primarily most middle and lower class people are liberal, because liberals are for usually for helping "Main Street America." However, there are always exceptions to the rule. For instance, some conservatives are for Main Street, and some upper class citizens are identified as liberals.
Cross-cutting cleavages refer to divisions within a society that do not align with one another. Examples include a division based on religion that cuts across socioeconomic status, or a political divide that does not clearly align with gender identity. These cleavages can complicate political dynamics and social cohesion.
The word "libertarianism" was made up because progressives in America became known as "liberals", so classical liberals needed a separate label.
America should have a strong national defense.
America should have a strong national defense
The government should play a large role in the economy.