About the Quiz

THE CONSERVATIVE TYPES

TRADITIONALIST: Focused on society and culture

The Traditionalist sees culture as the true bedrock of society. We’ve inherited a set of social values which have gotten us to where we are and we should be careful about trying to fundamentally reshape our society. The image of an old tree represents a belief in time-tested values.

FREE MARKETEER: Focused on economic growth and prosperity

According to the Free Marketeer, people naturally act in their self-interest. Therefore, our system should harness people’s desire to further themselves. If you reduce this incentive through excessive taxation or by encouraging dependency, society as a whole suffers. The economic chart symbolizes a belief in the benefits of free markets and competition.

LIBERTARIAN: Focused on freedom and limiting government power

Unlike the Free Marketeer who supports free enterprise because it is efficient, the Libertarian believes in freedom on principle. This means total freedom in all fields – both economic and social – as long as you do not harm others. The image of the porcupine with its protective quills represents the view that people should be free from all forms of coercion.

 

GENERAL CONSERVATIVE: Above average scores on first three types

 

WEAK CONSERVATIVE: Below average scores on first three types

 

 

HOW THE RESULTS ARE CALCULATED

Statements are divided into three groups:

TRADITIONALIST STATEMENTS

  • There is a right and a wrong and it is not all about individual perception.
  • Patriotism and a strong military are necessary to advance Canada’s national interests.
  • Most of the time, efforts to rehabilitate criminals don’t work.
  • The traditional family is the foundation of our society.
  • When trying to find solutions to problems, it is a good idea to learn from what has worked in the past.

FREE MARKETEER STATEMENTS

  • We need to promote entrepreneurship in this country.
  • Environmental problems will be solved by market-driven solutions.
  • When trying to find solutions to economic problems, the private sector should be given a chance first before government intervenes.
  • Often people who are poor have no one to blame but themselves.
  • Increasing taxes on the rich hurts economic growth.

LIBERTARIAN STATEMENTS

  • People must be free to make irresponsible choices as long as they assume the consequences.
  • Possessing marijuana for personal use should not be a criminal offense.
  • All authority should be questioned.
  • Our civil liberties are being excessively curbed in the name of counter-terrorism.
  • Our main military focus should be to protect our own borders first.

OVERALL CONSERVATIVE SCORE: Your score out of a total possible score of 105 (fifteen questions each scored from 1-7), compared to the average of everyone else who took the quiz.

CONSERVATIVE TYPE SCORE: Your score within each group of questions, compared to the average of everyone else.

Examples:

  • If you scored above average for Traditionalist statements, and below average for the two other types, you get the result “Traditionalist”.
  • If you scored above average for Traditionalist and Free Marketeer, and below average for Libertarian, you get the result “Traditionalist/Free Marketeer” etc.
  • If you scored above average for all types: “General Conservative”
  • If you scored below average for all types: “Weak Conservative”

Note: This is not a scientific survey, and respondents tend to be more conservative than average. Thank you to Professor André Turcotte and Stephen Taylor.