Why are American conservatives and libertatians afraid of big governments?

The fear of big government among American conservatives and libertarians is rooted in several historical, philosophical, and ideological factors:

Historical Anti-Statism

American conservatism has a long-standing tradition of anti-statism, dating back to the founding of the nation. The drafters of the U.S. Constitution were influenced by thinkers like John Locke and English Whig political theorists, who emphasized the dangers of centralized power and the importance of limiting government authority to protect individual liberties and prevent the domination of some by others4.

Constitutional Conservatism

Constitutional conservatives adhere to the principles of the U.S. Constitution, which they believe sets strict limits on government power. They advocate for a strict interpretation of the Constitution and the defense of enumerated powers, fearing that an expansive government undermines liberty and the constitutional order1.

Libertarian Influence

Libertarianism, which has significantly influenced American conservatism, emphasizes individual freedom, limited government, and laissez-faire economics. Libertarians argue that government intervention in the economy and society is generally wasteful, corrupt, and immoral. They believe that free markets and personal responsibility are more effective than government regulation and social programs13.

Economic Freedom and Market Principles

Conservatives and libertarians often argue that government regulation and intervention in the marketplace compromise economic freedom and lead to inefficiencies. They believe that free enterprise and market mechanisms are more effective in promoting economic growth and prosperity than government-managed economies. This perspective is influenced by thinkers such as Friedrich Hayek and Milton Friedman, who advocated for limited government intervention in economic affairs12.

Distrust of Government Regulation

The distrust of government regulation has been cultivated over decades, particularly during the Reagan administration. Conservative business leaders and intellectuals have promoted the idea that government action in the marketplace threatens economic and political freedom. This narrative posits that government is not the solution to problems but rather the cause, and that any compromise to economic freedom risks political freedom2.

Philosophical Underpinnings

The philosophical underpinnings of this distrust include the belief that government is inherently prone to abuse of power and that individual rights and freedoms are best protected by limiting government authority. This is reflected in the work of thinkers like Hayek, who warned that central planning and collectivist ideologies could lead to the erosion of democratic freedoms and the rise of authoritarianism3.

Contemporary Manifestations

In contemporary times, this fear of big government is evident in various conservative and libertarian positions, such as opposition to welfare programs, universal healthcare, and environmental regulations. Conservatives often argue that these programs encourage dependency, reduce self-reliance, and infringe upon individual liberties12.