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Several facets of conservatism function in unison to make it an effective and powerful philosophy.  Conservatism emphasizes personal freedom, independence, and initiative; this allows the [[best of the public]] to rise to their natural level of achievement.  Conservatives recognize that [[big government]] fosters dependency and stifles individual achievement--and thus, weakens society as a whole.   

Several facets of conservatism function in unison to make it an effective and powerful philosophy.  Conservatism emphasizes personal freedom, independence, and initiative; this allows the [[best of the public]] to rise to their natural level of achievement.  Conservatives recognize that [[big government]] fosters dependency and stifles individual achievement--and thus, weakens society as a whole.   

At the same time, conservatives also recognize that with individual freedom comes individual responsibility.  In the absence of a hand-holding [[nanny state]], it is imperative that each individual take responsibility for his own actions, and exercise his rights and freedoms wisely and with discretion.  Thus, [[social conservatism]] is also critical to a successful society, as it emphasizes the importance of morality, duty, and responsibility to one's self and fellow men.

At the same time, conservatives also recognize that with individual freedom comes [[individual responsibility]].  In the absence of a hand-holding [[nanny state]], it is imperative that each individual take responsibility for his own actions, and exercise his rights and freedoms wisely and with discretion.  Thus, [[social conservatism]] is also critical to a successful society, as it emphasizes the importance of [[morality]], duty, and responsibility to one's self and fellow men.

 

== Also See ==

== Also See ==