Conservatism in the United States
Conservatism in the United States is based on a belief in individualism, traditionalism, republicanism, and limited federal governmental power in relation to U.S. states.[1][2] It is one of two major political ideologies of the United States. Conservative and Christian media organizations and American conservative figures are influential, and American conservatism is a large and mainstream ideology in the Republican Party and nation. As of 2021, 36 percent of Americans consider themselves conservative, according to polling by Gallup, Inc.[3][4][5]
"American conservative" redirects here. For the magazine, see The American Conservative.
Conservatism in the United States is not a single school of thought.[6] American conservatives tend to support Christian values,[7] moral absolutism,[8] traditional family values,[9] and American exceptionalism,[10] while opposing abortion, euthanasia, and LGBT rights.[11] They tend to favor economic liberalism,[12][13] and are generally pro-business and pro-capitalism,[14][15] while opposing communism and labor unions.[16][17][18]
They often advocate for a strong national defense, gun rights, capital punishment, and a defense of Western culture from perceived threats posed by communism and moral relativism.[19][20] American conservatives tend to question epidemiology, climate change, and evolution more frequently than moderates or liberals.[21][22][23]
Other topics[edit]
Russell Kirk's principles of conservatism[edit]
Russell Kirk developed six "canons" of conservatism, which Gerald J. Russello described as follows: