I think classical Liberalism and Conservatism have little to do with the political lines drawn in the United States (and other nations). Republicans and Democr

I think classical Liberalism and Conservatism have little to do with the political lines drawn in the United States (and other nations). Republicans and Democrats are both, at heart, classical Liberals--the difference is how that is applied. Most flavors of liberalism have at their heart the idea that "The State" is neither competent nor qualified to intervene in everything or make all decisions on behalf of its citizens. For Republicans, that means the State should stay out of the economy. For Democrats (and some flavors of Libertarians), that means the State should stay out of people's personal lives, but it can very much get its fingers in the economy, and provide a safety net when citizens make poor choices. The State is usually the belligerent I agree, but I would perhaps say it a different way: the State is always looking to shore up its power. To do this, citizens must be coerced, sometimes through violence.