The gauge I've generally used to determine political beliefs is based on how an individual feels about government's involvement in both the private and public sector. Conservatives, for example, want less government in the public sector (e.g., the economy), but more governmental control in the private sector (e.g., individual rights). In contrast, liberals want less government in the private sector, but more in the public sector. Essentially both sides want bigger and smaller government, just different beliefs on where they should be applied.
Libertarians want less government in both sectors, and I think populists want more control in both sectors (I could be wrong, it's been a while since I've taken a political science class). Those familar with the Nolan Chart will likely recall these distinctions in American politics (bear in mind that all of these distinctions have been constantly evolving, as well as differing with other nations).
