Conservatism, as understood in the tradition of John Locke and Thomas Jefferson, is a political philosophy that emphasizes the importance of limited government, individual liberty, and free markets. According to Locke, the purpose of government is to protect the natural rights of individuals, which include the rights to life, liberty, and property. Similarly, Jefferson believed in the importance of individual liberty and the right to pursue happiness. He believed that the role of government should be limited to protecting these rights and that it should not interfere in the affairs of individuals.

In modern conservatism, these principles are applied to contemporary issues such as economic policy, foreign affairs, and social issues. For example, conservatives tend to favor lower taxes and less government regulation in order to promote economic growth and individual prosperity. They also believe in a strong national defense and the promotion of American values abroad.

On social issues, conservatives tend to emphasize the importance of traditional values such as family, faith, and community. They are often skeptical of government attempts to redefine these values and promote social experimentation. Additionally, conservatives often support the right to bear arms as a means of protecting individual liberty and property.

Overall, modern conservatism is a political philosophy that emphasizes individual liberty, limited government, and free markets. It draws heavily on the ideas of John Locke and Thomas Jefferson, who believed in the importance of natural rights and limited government.