This article is about the origin, history and development of conservatism in the United States. For the broader political and social philosophy, see Conservatism. Conservatism in the United States is a political and social philosophy which characteristically prioritizes American traditions, republicanism, classical liberalism, and limited federal governmental power in relation to the states, referred to more simply as limited government and states' rights. Conservative and Christian media organizations along with American conservative figures are influential, and American conservatism is one of the majority political ideologies within the Republican Party.[1][2][3] On social issues, American conservatism typically supports Christian values,[4] moral absolutism,[5] traditional family values,[6] parental rights,[7] American exceptionalism,[8] and individualism,[9] while opposing abortion.[10] On economic issues it is generally pro-capitalism[11] and pro-business while opposing white-collar <a class="mw-redirect" title="Trade unions" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trade_unions">trade unions instead favoring salaried positions and employee benefits along with blue-collar and pink-collar labor unions.[12][13][14] On national issues it often advocates a strong national defense, gun rights, free trade,[15] and a defense of Western culture from perceived threats posed by communism[16] and moral relativism.[17] American conservatives are substantially more likely than moderates and liberals to distrust climate science, the pharmaceutical industry, and to believe in Creationism.[18][19][20] Studies indicate that American conservatives are just as intelligent as their liberal counterparts.[21] They also tend to be happier,[22][23][24] supportive of high tech science and sustainable energy,[25][26][27] advocates of the First and Second Amendments,[28][29][30] and are more physically fit.[31] In comparison to global conservative movements, US conservatives are far more panethnic as well as more left and center-leaning than their Asian and European counterparts,[32] with movements for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Blacks, Hispanics and Latinos, and LGBT people increasing in conservatism and in Evangelical and&;nbsp;nondenominational Christianity.[33][34][35][36]
