What is Conservatism?

I have been asked plainly “What do conservatives believe?”. So I have decided to define conservatism to the best of my ability by using the acronym “LIFTS”:

1) Limited Government

2) Individual Liberties

3) Free Enterprise

4) Traditional Family Values

5) Strong National Defense

Limited Government - The rightful functions of government are to guarantee individual liberty, private property, internal order, the provision of national defense, and the administration of justice. When the state exceeds this proper role, it accumulates power and becomes a threat to personal liberty.

Individual Liberties - Individuals possess rights to life, liberty, property, and freedom from the restrictions of arbitrary force. They exercise these rights through the use of their natural free will.

Free Enterprise - Allocating resources by the free play of supply and demand is the single economic system compatible with the requirements of a free society, and also the most productive and efficient supplier of human needs.

Traditional Family Values - The values, customs, conventions, and norms of the Judeo-Christian tradition inform and guide a free society. Without such ordinances, society induces its decay by embracing a relativism that rejects an objective moral order.

Strong National Defense – Americans must be capable of proactively protecting the nation and its citizens. Our armed forces must be ready to act anywhere in the world where vital national interests are threatened. This can be achieved by giving the military the resources it needs to keep us safe and maintain freedom.

These five points are what define conservatism, if any policy, law or ideology violate any of these principles, then it is not conservative and should be overturned or fought against.

I hope this helped your understanding of conservatism.

May God Bless
Sincerely
Daniel P Diaz