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| − | A '''conservative''' is one who is in favor of a more traditional point of view in respect to the current circumstances. They would likely but not necessarily want a smaller governing body. Conservatism arose in the 19th century as a response to [[liberalism]], particularly as manifested in the [[French Revolution]] although it could be argued that the original conservatism was much more reactionary than currently.<ref>In addition, Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary has the following definition of conservative: "tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions : TRADITIONAL"[http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/conservative] Therefore, a conservative tends to adhere to the doctrines of the early Christianity and [[Judeo-Christian]] values.</ref> | + | A '''conservative''' is one who adheres to principles of limited government, personal responsibility and moral values. A conservative would likely agree 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 United States Department of State] George Washington, farewell address, 1796</ref> Conservatism arose in the 19th century as a response to [[liberalism]], particularly as manifested in the [[French Revolution]].<ref>In addition, Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary has the following definition of conservative: "tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or institutions : TRADITIONAL"[http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/conservative] Therefore, a conservative Christian would be one that tends to adhere to the doctrines of the early Christianity and [[Judeo-Christian]] values.</ref> |
| | [[Image:Aaag.jpg|thumb|Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, is the epitome of American conservatism.]] | | [[Image:Aaag.jpg|thumb|Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, is the epitome of American conservatism.]] |
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| | == Conservatives in the United States == | | == Conservatives in the United States == |
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| − | In the United States, conservatives are generally characterized by adherence to limited government and free enterprise. Specifically, conservatives who are also Christians tend to adhere to the following principles: | + | In the United States, conservatives are generally characterized by adherence to limited government, public morality and free enterprise. Specifically, conservatives tend to adhere to the following principles: |
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| − | * Return of prayer in school (not by non-Christians) | + | * Return of prayer in school |
| | * Prohibition of abortion | | * Prohibition of abortion |
| − | * Opposition to same-sex marriage licenses and homosexuals (not necessarily by non-Christians) | + | * Opposition to same-sex marriage licenses and homosexuals |
| | * Support of laws against pornography | | * Support of laws against pornography |
| | * Support of the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms | | * Support of the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms |
| | * Economic allocative efficiency (as opposed to popular equity) | | * Economic allocative efficiency (as opposed to popular equity) |
| | * Stronger law enforcement and anti-crime laws, including the death penalty | | * Stronger law enforcement and anti-crime laws, including the death penalty |
| | + | * Parental control of education |
| | * Private medical care and retirement plans | | * Private medical care and retirement plans |
| | * Weakening or canceling failed social support programs | | * Weakening or canceling failed social support programs |
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| | * Support tightening of border security | | * Support tightening of border security |
| | * Respect for our military... past and present | | * Respect for our military... past and present |
| − | * Literal interpretation of the [[Bible]] and rejection of [[evolutionism]] (not by non-Christians) | + | * Literal interpretation of the [[Bible]] and rejection of [[evolutionism]] |
| | * Low taxes, especially for families | | * Low taxes, especially for families |
| | * Opening foreign markets to U.S. products | | * Opening foreign markets to U.S. products |
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| | *[[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] (1953-1961) | | *[[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] (1953-1961) |
| | *[[Ronald Reagan]] (1981-1989) | | *[[Ronald Reagan]] (1981-1989) |
| − | *[[George W. Bush]] (2000-2008)
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| | Other influential figures in the conservative ideology and movement within the past 125 years include: | | Other influential figures in the conservative ideology and movement within the past 125 years include: |