What does "left wing" or "right wing" mean with reference to politics?

Answer by  malone (4817)

Consider the center or middle of the road. Left of center, or left wing, refers to a more liberal mindset. Right of center, or right wing, refers to a more conservative mindset. There are varying degrees of both.

Answer by  ck0689 (284)

Left wing and right wing are constructs to describe the values of a political party. The left wing, or left is the more liberal end of the political spectrum, represented in the US by the Democratic party, and right wing is the conservative side, represented by the Republican party.

Answer by  cafish (2035)

The first term means the liberal side of politics. The second means the conservative side of politics. Liberals believe in more government involvement in our lives. They favor government programs. Conservatives believe in less government involvement and not as many government programs.