Well I'll add my own broad generalizations to the mix here. Conservative/Republicans generally want smaller government, less social programs etc. Liberals are traditionally the opposite. BUT when it comes to crime and justice the conservatives usually come down with a harder hand than liberals. Liberals like to forgive and forget, or give the criminal a second chance to turn over a new leaf. Conservatives are less likely to grant that second chance. So, interestingly enough, when it comes to the war on terror, conservitives are more likely to say "bigger government when it comes to security is better, if your not a terrorist you have nothing to worry about, we're just trying to protect you" and liberals are more likely to see a problem with over zealous government meddling in the lives of your average citizen (mabye because they all were LSD using, pot smoking hippies with dirty feet back in the day
Im kidding of course.. not flaming. its a joke.. laugh!).
Again, these are broad generalizations so theres probably not much truth to that theory. Just thinking out loud really.