ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the beliefs of conservatives about issues connected to the size and role of government in society. When it comes to beliefs about the size and role of government, conservatives in the general public differ considerably from liberals. People who call themselves conservatives have clear and consistent views on broadly stated issues connected to the size and role of government. A stereotype of American conservatives is that they are convinced free-marketeers who support the most limited role possible for government, especially in areas connected to the economy. There are also signs that conservatives in the general public are willing to accept the idea – at least more than moderates and liberals do – that spending on established government programs should be contained or even decreased. Most liberals and conservatives gave completely different reasons for government growth, reasons that align perfectly with their overall classification of themselves as liberals or conservatives.
