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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 relies more on the application of reason rather than personal whim. Conservatives oppose collectivism and emphasize equal opportunity rather than equal results. Conservatives have the ability to reconcile completely opposing and disparate ideologies; for instance they are opposed to abortion on the basis that we should not take away life, but have no problem with allowing a foetus to survive till youth and then sending it off to war to be killed. Conservatives support a complete right of self-defense both on an individual level and for our nation as a whole.
In the United States, conservatives are generally characterized by the following beliefs:
