Origins of Modern Conservatism
Limited government, individual liberty, and natural rights. These principles laid by the Founding Fathers provided the foundation for modern conservatism.
James Madison advocated for separation of powers out of distrust of human nature. The checks and balances in the Constitution translate to modern conservative calls for limited government. Madison's arguments against factionalism connect to calls for a decentralized federal system with state autonomy.
Alexander Hamilton declared rights as inherent, not granted by governments. Inspired by John Locke, the Founders solidified that rights like life, liberty, and property were non-negotiable. This threads into conservative stances on issues like free speech and government overreach.
Adam Smith's ideas on free markets aligned with the Founders' laissez-faire inclinations. The Second Amendment, crafted as a safeguard against tyranny, reflects the Founders' views on rights and self-defense.
In championing states' rights, judicial restraint, free markets, and defending amendments, conservatives echo the Founders' distrust of centralized authority and belief in individual rights.

Natural Rights and Natural Law
The Founding Fathers deliberately embraced natural rights and natural law principles. Thomas Jefferson drew from John Locke's ideas that government exists to protect inherent rights of life, liberty, and property.
Jefferson's Declaration of Independence asserted these unalienable rights as non-negotiable and transcending human law.
This concept remains a cornerstone of modern conservative philosophy, arguing rights are inherent and inviolable.
Conservatives apply this to issues like:
- Free speech
- Religious liberty
- Property rights
They view regulations infringing on these as affronts to individual liberty. The right to bear arms is seen as a fail-safe against tyranny, rooted in the natural right to self-defense.
By grounding policies in natural law, conservatives argue from a position that these principles are inviolable. While progressives may see the Constitution as evolving, conservatives view it as firmly establishing enduring principles.

Constitutionalism and Limited Government
The Founding Fathers engineered the Constitution to thwart tyranny through balanced power. Conservatives continue to draw from this commitment to limited government.
The separation of powers was designed to prevent any branch from dominating. Conservatives see this as essential in checking:
- Executive overreach
- Congressional overregulation
- Judicial activism
They argue each branch adhering to its role maintains the balance protecting liberty.
Federalism, diffusing power between national and state governments, respected regional diversity. Conservatives champion states' rights as a check on federal dominance and to respect pluralism.
Limited government is central – providing justice and security while avoiding micromanagement. Conservatives rally against bureaucratic expansion and for deregulation and tax cuts to curb government overreach.
The commitment to constitutionalism guides conservative views on executive orders, legislative actions, and court rulings. They advocate reading the Constitution as written, not reinterpreting it, seeing it as a static guide offering dynamic solutions to preserve liberty.1

Economic Freedom and Free Trade
The Founding Fathers viewed economic freedom and free trade as crucial for national prosperity. Influenced by Adam Smith, they favored minimal government interference in markets. Thomas Jefferson eliminated monopolies and trade restrictions, reflecting a belief in self-regulating markets. This approach aimed to unleash American creativity and economic growth.
Today's conservatives champion similar principles, advocating for deregulation and lower taxes. Ronald Reagan's policies, which boosted competition and cut taxes, aligned with this Jeffersonian vision of a market free from government constraints.
The Founders recognized that protectionist policies led to stagnation and favored open trade routes. Modern conservatives have adopted these ideas, supporting trade agreements that reduce barriers. They argue that America's influence grows through economic interconnectedness.
However, protectionist voices sometimes emerge within conservative ranks. Discerning conservatives view these as disguised special interests, referencing Thomas Paine's warnings about protectionism masquerading as nationalism.
The conservative stance against welfare states and government bailouts stems from the belief that individuals thrive best when success isn't penalized and failure isn't cushioned by taxpayers. This aligns with the Founders' vision of a dynamic, market-driven economy with minimal government interference.

Cultural and Social Conservatism
The Founding Fathers valued traditional institutions like family, community, and religion. They saw these as foundations for a strong society, not just individual pursuits.
Family was central to their vision. John Adams emphasized its role in providing stability and moral grounding. Today's conservatives mirror this belief, arguing that policies should strengthen family integrity.
Community involvement was equally important. Benjamin Franklin exemplified this through his civic engagement. The Founders favored local governance and mutual aid, seeing these as practical necessities for societal functioning.
Religion was another cornerstone. While not advocating state-sponsored religion, the Founders viewed religious principles as essential moral guides. This manifests in today's conservative defense of religious liberty and opposition to perceived secular encroachments.
Modern conservatives channel this emphasis when advocating for decentralization and local control. They oppose top-down government mandates, preferring community-level decision-making.
"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." – John Adams1
This ethos fuels conservative resistance to rapid social changes that seem to displace long-standing values. In debates over marriage, gender identity, or the sanctity of life, conservatives root their positions in what they believe aligns with the Founders' vision.

The Founders' distrust of centralized authority, belief in individual rights, and caution over human nature continue to shape modern conservatism. Their ideas set the foundation for today's conservative principles, particularly regarding Constitutional interpretation and limited government.