Liberal

Typically, an American who is in support of more personal freedoms, (the right for everyone to vote, marry, protest, etc.) but less economic freedom (in favor of regulated economy and higher taxes for the rich). A liberal falls to the left of the center on a lateral political spectrum, as opposed to a conservative, who falls to the right. A conservative tends to support more economic freedom (less regulation of business and lower taxes for everyone) but less personal freedom (e.g. only straights should be allowed to marry, sex should only be between married heterosexuals, recreational drugs should be illegal) However, in contemporary America some conservatives and liberals have abandoned much of the anti-freedom pretense (in a personal and economic sense), and have become somewhat libertarian. (someone who believes the people should have as many personal and economic freedoms as possible while still maintaining a peaceful, civilized society)