Difference between revisions of "Conservative"
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| − | A conservative 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> | + | 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 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. | ||
| − | 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 | + | In the United States, conservatives are generally characterized by the following beliefs: |
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| + | * Private economic interest and minimal government intervention | ||
| + | * National defense and high military spending | ||
| + | * Prayer in school | ||
| + | * Weaker gun control laws (stronger protection of 2nd Amendment rights) | ||
| + | * Economic allocative efficiency (as opposed to popular equity) | ||
| + | * Stronger law enforcement and anti-crime laws, including the death penalty | ||
| + | * Prevention of teaching sexual education, evolution, and other issues in public schools | ||
| + | * Abandonment of public schools in favor of private, particularly using tuition vouchers | ||
| + | * Private medical care and retirement plans | ||
| + | * Strong, unilateral foreign policy | ||
| + | * Weakening or cancellation of social support programs such as welfare | ||
| + | * Government restrictions on same-sex marriage and abortion | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | 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. | ||
Every 20-60 years a conservative is elected president of the United States. Examples include: | Every 20-60 years a conservative is elected president of the United States. Examples include: | ||
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<br>[[George Washington]] | <br>[[George Washington]] | ||
<br>[[James Monroe]] | <br>[[James Monroe]] | ||
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<br>[[Ronald Reagan]] | <br>[[Ronald Reagan]] | ||
<br>[[George W. Bush]] | <br>[[George W. Bush]] | ||
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| + | In America, most conservatives tend to align with the [[Republican Party]] or the [[Libertarian Party]]. | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
Revision as of 00:29, March 13, 2007
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.[1] 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 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:
- Private economic interest and minimal government intervention
- National defense and high military spending
- Prayer in school
- Weaker gun control laws (stronger protection of 2nd Amendment rights)
- Economic allocative efficiency (as opposed to popular equity)
- Stronger law enforcement and anti-crime laws, including the death penalty
- Prevention of teaching sexual education, evolution, and other issues in public schools
- Abandonment of public schools in favor of private, particularly using tuition vouchers
- Private medical care and retirement plans
- Strong, unilateral foreign policy
- Weakening or cancellation of social support programs such as welfare
- Government restrictions on same-sex marriage and abortion
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.
Every 20-60 years a conservative is elected president of the United States. Examples include:
George Washington
James Monroe
Grover Cleveland
Warren G. Harding
Ronald Reagan
George W. Bush
In America, most conservatives tend to align with the Republican Party or the Libertarian Party.