Progressive Republican

Like most major parties within two-party systems, the Republican Party of the United States includes diversity on social and political-economic ideology, being composed of several factions. This article describes the current situation as regards Republican Party factions. For information on historical factions, see History of the Republican Party (United States).

The conservative tradition in the Republican Party features opposition to labor unions, high taxes, and government regulation.

In economic policy, conservatives call for a large reduction in government spending, personalized accounts for Social Security, free trade, and less regulation of the economy. Supporters of supply-side economics predominate; but there are deficit hawks within the faction as well. Before 1930, the Northeastern pro-manufacturing faction of the GOP was strongly committed to high tariffs, but since 1945 it has been more supportive of free-market principles and treaties for open trade. The Conservative wing supports social conservatism (often termed family values) and pro-life positions.

Conservatives generally oppose affirmative action, arguing that it too often turns into quotas. They tend to support a strong military and are opposed to gun control. They oppose illegal immigration, which puts them in opposition to the business community, and support stronger law enforcement, often disagreeing with strict libertarians. On the issue of school vouchers, conservative Republicans split between supporters, who believe that "big government education" is a failure, and opponents, who fear greater government control over private and church schools.

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