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| | A '''conservative''' is one who adheres to principles of limited government, personal responsibility and moral virtue. He agrees with the statement in George Washington's [[Farewell Address]] that "religion and morality are indispensable supports" to political prosperity.<ref>http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/democrac/49.htm</ref> Conservatism arose in the 19th century as a response to [[liberalism]], particularly as manifested in the [[French Revolution]]. | | A '''conservative''' is one who adheres to principles of limited government, personal responsibility and moral virtue. He agrees with the statement in George Washington's [[Farewell Address]] that "religion and morality are indispensable supports" to political prosperity.<ref>http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/democrac/49.htm</ref> Conservatism arose in the 19th century as a response to [[liberalism]], particularly as manifested in the [[French Revolution]]. |
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| − | Conservatives oppose collectivism and emphasize equal opportunity rather than equal results. Conservatives support a complete right of self-defense both on an individual level and for our nation as a whole. | + | A conservative relies more on the application of reason rather than personal whim. Conservatives oppose collectivism and emphasize equal opportunity rather than equal results. Conservatives support a complete right of self-defense both on an individual level and for our nation as a whole. |
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| | In the United States, conservatives are generally characterized by the following beliefs: | | In the United States, conservatives are generally characterized by the following beliefs: |
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| | * Abandonment of public schools in favor of private, particularly using tuition vouchers | | * Abandonment of public schools in favor of private, particularly using tuition vouchers |
| | * Private medical care and retirement plans | | * Private medical care and retirement plans |
| − | * Overbearing, unilateral foreign policy | + | * Strong, unilateral foreign policy |
| − | * Weakening or cancellation of social support programs | + | * Weakening or cancellation of failed social support programs |
| | * Government restrictions on same-sex marriage and abortion | | * Government restrictions on same-sex marriage and abortion |
| − | * Favors reducing taxes, regardless of budgetary impact
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| − | * Sometimes supports deficit spending
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| | Many conservatives hold a strong [[libertarian]] conviction in the belief that the state should not interfere with the [[economy]], [[gun control]], and the redistribution of wealth. | | Many conservatives hold a strong [[libertarian]] conviction in the belief that the state should not interfere with the [[economy]], [[gun control]], and the redistribution of wealth. |