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From Citizendium, the Citizens' Compendium

Conservatism is a political philosophy that opposes radical reform and holding a historical respect for existing institutions and traditions. This is often guided by a variety of attached beliefs: sometimes this will be religious or social conservatism, or sometimes nationalism or free market capitalism.

Some famous conservatives include the former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, American president Ronald Reagan, Barry Goldwater, the philosopher Roger Scruton, the talk show host Rush Limbaugh and the televangelist Pat Robertson - each exhibiting quite different beliefs and ideas. President George W. Bush is widely said to be a neoconservatism, but has also claimed to be a compassionate conservative.