Conservatism in the United States

Conservatism in the United States is a right-leaning and right-wing tradition of a variety of ideologies that collectively has rivaled the liberal and progressive U.S. political traditions. Since the early 20th century, the American conservative tradition has generally been identified with the Republican Party, as opposed to the predominantly modern social liberal orientation of its rival, the Democratic Party. Traditional American conservatism is characterized by a belief in individualism, traditionalism, capitalism, republicanism, and limited federal governmental power in relation to U.S. states. However, developments since 2010 have shifted it towards right-wing populist and national conservatist themes, owing in a large part to Trumpism.

Traditional American conservatives maintain support from the Christian right and its interpretation of Christian values and moral absolutism, while generally opposing abortion, euthanasia, and some LGBT rights, comparable to Mitt Romney. They tend to favor economic liberalism, and are generally pro-business and pro-capitalism, while more strongly opposing communism and labor unions than liberals and social democrats. Recent shifts have moved it towards national conservatism, protectionism, cultural conservatism and a more realist foreign policy.

Conservatives often advocate for strong national defense, gun rights, capital punishment, and a defense of Western culture from possible threats posed by communism, Islamism, and moral relativism. American conservatives question epidemiology, anthropogenic climate change, and evolution more frequently than moderates or liberals.

Notable figures who have changed American conservative traditions are Ronald Reagan, Donald Trump, Bill Kristol, Mike Pence, and Sarah Palin.