The traditional approach to the grid is to measure views on economic and personal freedom, positing that left/right doesn't work. A typical conservative thinks taxes should be low and drug laws high, while the typical liberal thinks the reverse. Statists want drug laws and taxes high and libertarians want both to be low.
The chart I posed on #24 was in response to a pythonesque request that his preferred governmental form be presented in a grid. In retrospect, I delivered on that but, frankly, it's not the best grid ever. For example, contemporary conservatives should be in the upper right quadrant, with strong economic freedom desires (right side) but muted personal freedom desires (upper half).
This quiz helps to illustrate the point.