Conservative

Definition

In the context of public opinion and political ideology, a conservative is an individual who generally favors traditional or established values, practices, and institutions, and often opposes change or reform. Conservatives typically support limited government, free market economics, and traditional social values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Conservatives typically favor a smaller role for the federal government, emphasizing individual responsibility and state's rights.
2. Conservative political views often prioritize maintaining traditional social structures, gender roles, and family values.
3. Conservatives tend to be more skeptical of government intervention in the economy, favoring free market principles and limited regulation.
4. Many conservatives place a high value on national security, military strength, and law and order as part of their political ideology.
5. Conservatives often seek to preserve existing institutions and are generally more resistant to rapid social or cultural change.

Review Questions

• Explain how the conservative ideology relates to the public's views on the role of government.
  • Conservatives generally believe in a limited role for the federal government, emphasizing individual responsibility and state's rights over expansive federal programs and regulations. They tend to favor free market economics with minimal government intervention, in contrast to more liberal views that support a greater government role in addressing societal issues. This conservative perspective on the appropriate scope of government often shapes public opinion and policy debates around the size and power of the federal government.
• Describe how conservative views on social and cultural issues can influence public opinion.
  • Conservatives often seek to preserve traditional social structures, gender roles, and family values, which can shape public opinion on a range of social and cultural issues. For example, conservatives may oppose changes to traditional marriage and gender norms, or support policies that reinforce traditional moral and religious values. This can lead to polarization and ongoing debates within the public sphere around the pace and direction of social change.
• Analyze how the conservative emphasis on national security and law and order can impact public perceptions of government and policy priorities.
  • Conservatives often place a high value on national security, military strength, and maintaining law and order as part of their political ideology. This can lead to public support for policies and government actions that prioritize these concerns, such as increased defense spending, tough-on-crime measures, and a more assertive foreign policy. The conservative focus on these issues can shape public opinion and influence the political agenda, leading to debates over the appropriate balance between security, civil liberties, and other policy priorities.

Related terms

Liberalism:

A political ideology that generally supports social and economic equality, civil liberties, and a role for government in addressing societal issues.

Libertarianism: A political philosophy that advocates for individual liberty, limited government, and a free market economy.

Traditionalism: A belief in and preference for traditional values, institutions, and practices, often in opposition to modernization or change.