--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The conservative idea is not that…" description: "\"The conservative idea is not that government has no role. You might have argued that in the thirties when conservatives opposed the New Deal.\" — Charle..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8a6/charles-krauthammer-1232_conservative_the-conservative-idea-is-not-that-govern_113849.png" --- # The conservative idea is not that government has no role… ![“The conservative idea is not that government has no role. You might have argued that in the thirties when conservatives opposed the New Deal.” quote by Charles Krauthammer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8a6/charles-krauthammer-1232_conservative_the-conservative-idea-is-not-that-govern_113849.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8a6/charles-krauthammer-1232_conservative_the-conservative-idea-is-not-that-govern_113849.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8a6/charles-krauthammer-1232_conservative_the-conservative-idea-is-not-that-govern_113849.png) > “The conservative idea is not that government has no role. You might have argued that in the thirties when conservatives opposed the New Deal.” [Charles Krauthammer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-krauthammer/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Conservatism accepts government involvement, but traditionally opposes expansive programs like the New Deal, favoring limited, targeted intervention. **In simple terms:** Conservatives support modest government roles, not large-scale reforms. Key Takeaway Conservatism ≠ anti‑government; it's about scope. Themes political ideology government role historical context Mood analytical thoughtful Type political commentary When to use this quote - debating welfare reform - discussing climate policy - evaluating pandemic response Key Concepts limited government policy scope Practical Applications - crafting balanced policy proposals - communicating nuanced political positions Questions to Reflect On - How does conservatism define appropriate government size? - When is government intervention justified? A Different Perspective The claim oversimplifies conservatism; many conservatives endorse robust government in defense or infrastructure. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Conservative](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conservative/) [Conservatives](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conservatives/) [Government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/government/) [Ideas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideas/) [New deal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/new-deal/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) ## Related quotes > [Conservatives in general, and even so called Tea Party conservatives, are not against transportation spending. 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