Conservatism 101 (12)
The conservative movement in the US has undergone a radical change from its humble beginnings in the 1960s, when Barry Goldwater introduced the term to the nation. The original three tenets - small government, free enterprise and a strong national defense - have changed dramatically as the world has grown more complicated.

Major Conservative Voices (16)
Barry Goldwater in the 1960s, Ronald Reagan in the 1980s, Bob Walker and Newt Gingrich in the 1990s and President George W. Bush today - all of these people helped bring the conservative movement to where it is now. But without antagonists like Lyndon Johnson, the Clintons, Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden, conservative politics would likely be very different than it is today.

Campaigns & Elections (67)
The offices of President and Supreme Court Justice are the most influential when it comes to forwarding the conservative agenda, which makes getting a conservative into the Oval Office a very high priority for conservatives. Most conservatives see the Republican Party as their vehicle for achieving this goal, although it isn’t the only political organization espousing conservative beliefs.

Abortion & Stem Cell Issues (3)
No single issue has had a more divisive effect on the conservative community than abortion. Pro-life conservatives are firs alienated from their pro-choice counterparts, but often from one another as well due to the abortion issue's many gray areas. The 1973 Supreme Court decision in the case of Jane Roe v. Henry Wade, District Attorney of Dallas County, effectively legalized abortions in the U.S.

War On Terror (5)
Conservatives, especially social conservatives, have always ridden a fine line with the issue of war. While the War On Terror is almost universally approved, the War in Iraq has posed a problem for conservatives who believe in Christian ideals. While those outside the movement may not believe it, there is no rubber stamp for war from most conservatives.

Church & State (3)
A look at the faith-based agenda of the social conservative political movement as it has evolved in the last 30 years, from religion in schools to homosexuality in the military to government funding for faith-based and community initiatives.

Crime & Punishment (2)
The debate between conservatives over capital and corporal punishment has run the gamut over the years. The Christian ideals of forgiveness have often clashed mightily with the conservative notion of justice and personal freedom.

Economy & Taxes (5)
Historically, conservatives believed that limiting government by spending less, while promoting free enterprise through tax breaks for small businesses and lower taxes for the working man, would spur the economy. Many conservatives still cling to these notions - despite the continual growth of the state.

Education (2)
Education funding is one of the key responsibilities of local, state and federal governments. For generations, conservatives have tried to have a greater say in what subjects should be taught and how they should be taught, without liberal influence.

Environment (5)
Many people believe that conservatives aren't conservationists because of their belief in free enterprise, when in fact, just the opposite is true. Conservatives believe that by spending less and promoting a free economy, businesses will be forced to develop green products and adopt green production methods due to a rising demand.

Foreign Policy (3)
Conservatives have long believed in a strong national defense as a matter of foreign policy, but the growing involvement of the religious right into conservative politics have made a focus on diplomacy a rising challenge for conservative politics.

Getting Involved (5)
There are many places on the web and at About.com, where you can learn more about the conservative movement, its agenda and where its headed. Here, we'll tell you how to get involved, how to be an effective activist and where you can go to do your part.

Guest Commentary (37)
Each week, US Conservative Politics and Issues at About.com will feature guest commentary from leading national conservatives wishing to contribute their thoughts and ideas.