Introduction
Conservatism has different understandings in different contexts. For instance, in a social context, conservatism is understood as committed to the traditions and values of a society and skepticism or opposition to those ideas and precepts that undermine traditions and values of society. It is generally believed that conservatism opposes all kinds of innovations and progress in society; however, it is a faulty perception that is not based on any statistical evidence (Muller, 1997).
In a political context, Conservatism is understood as views that support small-government, free enterprise, private ownership, and ideas that are socially conservative. It is apparent that social and political understandings of conservatism are slightly different or unique. In this academic exercise, I will explain why I favor conservatism over other political notions and precepts.
Reasons
Numerous reasons have convinced me to favor conservatism over other political thoughts and precepts. I will discuss these reasons to make the reader understand my liking or favoring conservatism.
Small Government
The size of government is a serious and a sensitive subject, which has been discussed intensively in the last 100 years. Political-economic systems, which are based on classic capitalism notions, have governments that are small in size. It is believed that as the size of government increases, so do political-economic challenges. The large size of a government affects the market system adversely. For instance, when governments interfere in a market system, the strength or potency of market-forces decreases, which directly impacts the allocation of resources and industrial waste (Mitchell, 2014).
In recent years, the size of governments has increased, in capitalist political-economic systems, which have yielded various kinds of challenges. For instance, the use of fiscal instruments has increased over the years, which has reduced the role of central banks somewhat, making the political – economic system volatile. Similarly, the large size of government also yields large bureaucratic set-up, which adversely affects the function of industries, markets, and administrative institutions. As the size of bureaucracy increases, so does the ineffectiveness and corruption in the entire system. Therefore, I am an advocate of small government, which allows state institutions, industries, markets, and administration to work efficiently and independently (Mitchell, 2014).
Less Reliance on Non-Governmental Organizations
State institutions have a constitutional role, which they play to devise and implement various kinds of policies. State institutions are devised to facilitate governments in devising policies and implementing them to meet selected targets. For instance, the Central Bank, which is a semi-autonomous financial institution, devises a policy in collaboration with the government and implement it to realize shared objectives.
Progressive governments rely a lot on nongovernmental organizations to realize different kinds of political-economic and social-economic objectives. When the progressive government comes to power, the role of non-governmental organizations increases extraordinarily, this affects the functioning of state institutions. Some studies claim that non-governmental organizations act as parallel state institutions, which could be damaging for the state and may affect the political-economic-social system adversely in the long-run (Lowenkron, 2006).
Legislation and Policies That Reflect Collective Values and Traditions
It is believed that legislation and policies of government reflect prevailing notions and precepts regarding particular subjects or issues. If legislation or policy on a particular subject does not reflect the sentiment of the majority of the public regarding that issue, such legislation or policy would not be effective. Conservative governments emphasize tradition and culture, and they devise such policies and introduce such legislation, which is by the sentiment of the majority. The emphasis or the focus of conservative government is on the issues of the majority, rather than on the issues of small or fringed groups. The issues of minorities or fringed groups must be addressed; however, the ideas of fringe groups or minorities should not be imposed on the majority. As conservative administrations focus on issues of the majority and legislate regarding them, therefore, I choose to be conservative (politically) (Muller, 1997).
Traditionalist
I am a traditionalist, who believes that good traditions and values can be emphasized to realize various kinds of social-political and socioeconomic objectives. I strongly believe that social and state institutions have the capacity to most of the challenges that the population faces. However, this should not imply that I am against progress. In fact, as a conservative, I believe that social, political and economic progress can be achieved by keeping the size small of the government and by legislating on those issues that affect the majority. For instance, the family system in the United States is deteriorating, which is directly affecting society, demographics, and children. The government should legislate on these issues.
I admit that there are several traditions and cultural norms, which are adversely affecting society. Such traditions and values should not reflect on the policies and legislation of any government, as it would impact the social-political-economic system negatively.
Conclusion
In the end, it is concluded that political conservatism is the free-market economy and small size of government. However, social conservatism is an emphasis or commitment to traditions and values. My reasons for political and social conservatism are few but strong. The interference of government in the economic system usually has severe consequences. The interference has caused de-industrialization in the United States, and it is also affecting the size of investment in the country. Political conservatism is, in fact, a reaction to political progressivism. I strongly believe that political conservatism keeps the system in balance and progress in check. Political Conservatism and Political Progressivism are necessary for a political system, as they ensure that political, economic, and social changes are not radical.
References
Lowenkron, B. F. (2006, June 12). The Role of NGOs in the Development of Democracy. Retrieved from http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO0606/S00277.htm
Mitchell, D. J. (2014, November 10). Research Shows That Small Government Is Efficient Government. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/danielmitchell/2014/11/10/research-shows-that-small-government-is-efficient-government/
Muller, J. Z. (1997). Conservatism: An Anthology of Social and Political Thought from David Hume to the Present. Princeton University Press.
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