Conservative and Liberal

The governing principles of the United States of America.

In modern politics, conservatives and liberals are often seen as polar opposites. The reality is that conservativism and liberalism work in parity to form the strongest constitutional federal republic.

Conservatism

Global Context

Conservative in a global context refers to a political and social philosophy that emphasizes the value of traditional institutions and practices. It advocates for maintaining established customs, beliefs, and values, resisting abrupt change. Conservatives believe in the importance of property rights, moral standards, and the preservation of cultural heritage. While specific policies and ideologies may vary significantly from one country to another, the core principle of conservativism worldwide is the desire to conserve and uphold historical values and structures that are historically proven to benefit the nation.

American Application (Constitutional Conservative)

In the context of the United States, conservative ideology is often associated with the Republican Party, though not exclusively. American conservatism blends several ideas, including limited government, free-market principles, individual liberties, and a robust national defense. U.S. conservatives typically advocate for lower taxes, reduced government spending, and deregulation of businesses to promote economic growth. Socially, they may favor traditional values, including issues related to marriage, abortion, and gun rights. American conservatism has its roots in the classical liberal tradition and stands to preserve the values defined by The Constitution – the document that the strongest country rests upon.

Liberalism

American progressivism is a political movement and ideology focused on reforming and improving society through a more active role for the government in addressing issues such as poverty, welfare, healthcare, environmental protection, and worker rights. Progressives advocate for policies that promote social justice, economic equality, and the regulation of corporations to safeguard the public interest. This movement gained momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, aiming to address the challenges of industrialization and urbanization. Unlike classical liberalism, which emphasizes minimal government intervention, progressivism calls for a more involved government to ensure equitable opportunities and resources for all citizens, working to rectify societal imbalances and injustices.

Progressivism: An Evolving Ideology

Progressivism, distinct from classical liberalism, is characterized by its inherent drive for continuous evolution in pursuit of social justice, equality, and the betterment of society. This ideology is built on the premise that to address contemporary challenges effectively, societal structures and policies must adapt and 'progress'.

Key Characteristics of Progressivism

• Dynamic Nature: Progressive ideology is constantly in flux, responding to society's evolving needs and issues. Unlike ideologies that seek to preserve the status quo, progressivism advocates for change that aligns with the current socio-economic and cultural contexts.

• Forward-Looking: Progressivism focuses on the future, striving to create a society that improves upon the present. When required, it breaks traditional norms to normalize progressive policies.

• Responsive to Social Issues: Progressivism seeks to identify and tackle the root causes of societal problems through expansive government roles.

Why Progressivism is Ever-Changing

Progressivism's adaptability is both its strength and a defining feature. As society changes, so do the challenges it faces, which means the solutions and policies of yesteryears may no longer be effective. This ideology's commitment to progress means it continually reassesses and reforms its objectives and methods. For example, the progressivism of the early 20th century, which focused heavily on labor rights and the regulation of monopolies, has evolved to include a broader array of issues such as digital privacy, climate action, and social inclusivity in its agenda.

This inherent flexibility means that progressivism, as an ideology, will always be in a state of evolution. What it champions today may significantly differ from what it will focus on in the next decade, adapting to the ever-changing landscape of societal needs and values.