Prior to diving deep into the realm of why this meme is wrong, it is very important to discuss the actual definition of the terms liberal and conservative. According to the Webster Dictionary, the term liberal means:

1: a : of, relating to, or based on the liberal arts – “liberal education”

b archaic : of or befitting a man of free birth

2: a : marked by generosity : openhanded  – “a liberal giver”

b : given or provided in a generous and openhanded way  – “a liberal meal”

c : ample, full

3: obsolete : lacking moral restraint : licentious

4: not literal or strict : loose – “a liberal translation”

5: broad-minded; especially : not bound by authoritarianism, orthodoxy, or traditional forms

6a : of, favoring, or based upon the principles of liberalism

b: capitalized : of or constituting a political party advocating or associated with the principles of political liberalism; especially : of or constituting a political party in the United Kingdom associated with ideals of individual especially economic freedom, greater individual participation in government, and constitutional, political, and administrative reforms designed to secure these objectives

The Webster Dictionary says this about the term conservative:

1: a : of or relating to a philosophy of conservatism

b: capitalized : of or constituting a political party professing the principles of conservatism: such as 

(1) : of or constituting a party of the United Kingdom advocating support of established institutions 

(2) : progressive conservative

2: a : tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions : traditional – “conservative policies”

b : marked by moderation or caution – “a conservative estimate”

c : marked by or relating to traditional norms of taste, elegance, style, or manners  – “a conservative suit” “a conservative architectural style”

3: of, relating to, or practicing Conservative Judaism

4: preservative

So in other words if you are conservative you tend to support traditions and institutions that are already in place. On the other hand, if you are liberal then you are against the current institutions and traditions an you are open to trying something new and different.

Let’s venture back to the years between 1607 (founding of Jamestown, VA – 1st successful British Colony on American Continent) and 1776 (start of the American Revolutionary War). There is an ever growing population of Europeans living on the American continent. However, at that time travel and communication between the American Colonies and the Homeland of Britain took 6-12 weeks (link) one-way. In other words, if the American Colonists wanted their government to address an issue it would take 2-3 months for their request reach Britain. Then the lovely Britain politicians need to make a decision; and we all know how long politicians can take to make a decision. Then the new political action is put on a ship and sent back to the American Colonies; which can take another 2-3 months to arrive. This whole process can take a minimum of of 6 months.

Keeping in mind that there was an overabundant amount of grievances which are labelled in the Declaration of Independence as well as Thomas Paine’s Common Sense. Nevertheless , the 6 month waiting period is way too long and cannot be ruled out as a contributing factor for the disintegrating relations between Colonists and the British Government. There were certain issues that need to be dealt with and handled right now. As a result of this 6 month wait period, the American Colonials had become accustomed to taking care of things on their own or with a very small and limited governing body similar to that of the Virginia House of Burgesses. This means that traditionally, the American Colonists had institutions in place that lead to a small and limited governments that (generally) left the common citizen alone and free to do as they saw fit. This lasted until the British Monarchy decided that the Successful American colonies needed to help pay for European Wars. This is what led to the American Revolution.

During the American Revolutionary War, the rest of the world (except France) did not recognize the American Colonies and an independent nation. Therefore, the conservatives during this time supported the current British Institutions that were already in place. While the liberals desired a new government institutions that were smaller and had limited powers (unlike the currently established British Government institution). It is very important to note that American Colonists had become accustomed to this small and limited government prior to the American Revolution. Because after the British surrender in 1781 and the ratification of the US Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787, the new normal began.

Today, American Conservatives consider themselves to be pro small government and anti-regulation. This is particularly evident when you consider the Presidential Executive Order on Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs from a Conservative President; which, in Section 2, states that for every one new regulation created another two are repealed. The American system of government has traditionally and historically been small compared to the European Systems of Government which are traditionally and historically very large and have made very poor attempts to micromanage the lives of their citizens.

This meme is wrong because it lets the reader believe that the American Conservatives are pro big government. When, in fact, this very far from the truth. It is true that during the American Revolution, Conservatives were pro government. But since the American Colonists (with the help of France) won the war and established their own small government with the ratification of the US Constitution, the narrative on American Political values have changed. As a result, conservative Americans today are pro small government and cherish the freedoms that they are allowed to enjoy under a small government system.