Western democracies are referred to as representative democracies. They share a common ideology. However, when they transform theory into practice, differences occur. One important difference is a matter of emphasis. Should a system emphasize liberal or responsible principles?

Answer 1

Perhaps therein lies the difference between the Democratic and the Republican party?

Sra

Answer 2

Liberal and responsible are not mutually exclusive. A liberal can be and usually does govern responsibly.

Check these definitions.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/liberal

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/responsible