Why do liberals typically prefer a higher tax rate? Why do conservatives typically prefer a lower tax rate?

It reflects different strands of thinking.

Explanation:

Liberals would argue for higher levels of taxation as they are committed to the redistribution of wealth. They feel that government intervention  such as taxation is necessary for a fairer and more exclusive society.

Conservatives place more emphasis on the individual rather than society. They argue that higher levels of taxation are a disincentive for individuals to succeed economically. Therefore this will have a knock on effect on the poor.

However lower levels of taxation will allow the private sector to flourish, creating wealth and thus helping the poor.

a.) a poor farmer, due to the fact that they would want to be freed from british rule.