American Conservative Political Philosophy

The Classical Conservative Definition:Adams, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison,
A classical conservative values tradition andwe find a sober and tested conservatism founded
freedom over governmental power.upon an understanding of history and human
Conservatives, under this definition, advocate anature. The Constitution which the leaders of that
free market economy without governmentalgeneration drew up has proved to be the most
intervention. Conservatives tend to viewsuccessful conservative device in all history."
government as a necessary evil, whose primaryIn this statement, Kirk restated that the U.S.
responsibility is to protect people from violation ofConstitution is an instrument that protects people
their rights and freedom by others. Conservativesfrom abuse by government; in that regard, the
distinguish this from government taking action toConstitution must be strictly interpreted to
guarantee people's rights and freedom (a subtle,guarantee that protection.
but important distinction). Conservatives think ofBarry Goldwater was the first politician to waive
morality as something that binds people intothe modern conservative banner. His book, "The
groups through loyalty and authority (in certainConscience of a Conservative" was required
cases, substituting religion for authority).reading at Harvard, at least for a while. When
Conservatives tend to be tribalists.running for president in 1964, Goldwater promised
There is likely not as much difference betweento enforce the U.S. Constitution.
the two philosophies as you may have thought.However, it was Ronald Reagan that legitimized
The distinctions are subtle, but they do lead to athe conservative political philosophy as President in
different philosophy of both the purpose, and1980. He ran on a platform of cutting
responsibilities of government. Distinctionsgovernment, as he did when governor in
between the two philosophies shift and morph toCalifornia, where his main reform was in welfare.
suit the politics of the day.As President, Reagan cut taxes in his first year.
Conservatives are usually regarded as associatedWhether as a direct result or not, the U.S.
with the Republican Party, liberals with theeconomy began an unprecedented economic
Democratic Party. This is an over-generalization.boom in 1982 that lasted until 2001. However,
Both parties embrace certain conservative andReagan will also be remembered for not only his
liberal tendencies. Moreover, it does not accounteconomic forecast in 1982, but his prophesy that:
for those that do not affiliate with either party,"The march of freedom and democracy ... will
standing as independents, a very large segmentleave Marxism-Leninism on the ash-heap of
of America's political society.history as it has left other tyrannies which stifle
FOUNDERS OF CONSERVATISMthe freedom and muzzle the self-expression of
Edmund Burke is often regarded as the founderthe people."
of the conservative philosophy. Burke stated inThe fall of the Berlin wall came in 1989, followed
1791 that it was not necessary to tear apartby the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.
society to cure its evils:CONCLUSION
"An ignorant man who is not fool enough toIn looking at the above comparison of
meddle with his clock, is however sufficientlyconservative and liberal values, it is apparent that
confident to think he can safely take to pieces,arguments can be made for the value of either
and put together at his pleasure, a moral machineposition. However, such a limited view misses the
of another guise, importance and complexity,point. Combining both philosophies can take the
composed of far other wheels, and springs, andbest from each to provide solutions to our
balances, and counteracting and co-operatingproblems.
powers.As an example, take the issue of trust as to
Men little think how immorally they act in rashlywhether government is the best answer to our
meddling with what they do not understand. Theirproblems. Conservatives are wary to trust
delusive good intention is no sort of excuse forgovernment as the answer; liberals tend to see
their presumption. They who truly mean wellgovernment as a necessary evil, but still the best
must be fearful of acting ill."answer to solve our problems. Both are
Burke professed that change should only be madeappropriate views. Our Founding Fathers
when fully aware of the consequences of therecognized this dilemma and developed a system
actions. Society is complex and interconnected, soof checks and balances, a separation of powers
changes must be made with deliberation andfor an effective government, but one that never
knowledge of history. The damage fromdeveloped too much power over its citizens.
miscalculated changes can be too disastrous toThe Founding Fathers listened to both sides of the
society, to do otherwise.conservative and liberal argument to try to find a
This is not to say conservatives oppose change.system that meets the needs of all.
Conservatives recognize that change is necessaryToday, our society needs to move forward to
in society; however, conservatives move at ameet new challenges; liberals say we need new
slower pace than liberals.solutions to those challenges; conservatives say
The Modern Conservative Movementwe need to trust proven solutions because
Many credit Russell Kirk's 1953 book, "Themiscalculation could make our problems worse.
Conservative Mind" with the birth of the modernAgain, both views have value; and a blending of
conservative movement in the United States. Inboth is likely the best answer: learn from the
1957, Kirk condensed he beliefs in "The Essencepast, while we forge the future.
of Conservatism:"Unfortunately, our politics have become too
"...The conservative is a person who endeavors topolarized and too divisive. People take positions
conserve the best in our traditions and ourrather than work together. Political parties provide
institutions, reconciling that best with necessarythose positions. Many Republicans revert to religion
reform from time to time...Our American War ofas a bastion, while many Democrats turn their
Independence...especially in the works of Johnparty into a religion.