A Political phrase that has been thrown around so much that it has lost its meaning and has many people who pretend to be it(Just as with the word Liberal).
Conservatives generally believe in less government and a government that only steps in when necessary.
On Economic Issues, Conservatives generally believe in low taxes, a flat income tax(seeing that it is the only equal and
constitutional way to conduct a tax) and
financial independence. They believe that a person's money belongs to the person, not the government. They believe in less government spending and fewer government programs. They are against welfare(both Corporate and Private) and intervention in the economy. These beliefs are generally known as "
Fiscal Conservatism".
On Social Issues, Conservatives believe in interfering only when someone's constitutional rights are at risk. This is why many Conservatives are Pro-Life(they see abortion as an attack on a human being's constitutional right to live). Conservatives are against "Big Brother" telling you how to live your life.
Many Conservatives believe in an idea known as "Peace Through Strength." An idea that revolves around military strength and the power of intimidation to avoid war.
Conservatives are usually identified with the Republican Party, although in recent years, the Party has broken into a civil war between Conservatives and Neo-Conservatives(Not to be confused with Conservatives). And, recently, Neo-Conservatives have began to use the term "conservative" to refer to their own beliefs. However, some prominent Conservatives, such as John McCain, Ron Paul, and
Fred Thompson, have risen and popularity as well as the ideas behind True Conservatism.
