What Is Political Conservatism?
Contemporary political conservatism is a philosophy characterized by a belief in individual liberty, small government, low taxes, and fiscal responsibility. Like many political ideologies, it is sometimes misunderstood. For instance, many believe that conservatism is simply a desire to maintain the status quo or even “turn back the clock,” politically speaking, to conditions that prevailed in earlier times. In fact, when political conservatism came into being as an identifiable ideology on the European continent after the French Revolution, it was exemplified by resistance to change and adherence to the status quo, which was seen as representing continuity and stability because it had evolved over time. In the ensuing centuries, though, political conservatism developed a clear set of policy objectives as opposed to nostalgia for earlier times, and in many cases promotes a change from the status quo.
