11 Principles of a Reagan Conservative

What would Ronald Reagan do?

This is a question that infiltrates the many minds of American politicians claiming to be a Reagan conservative. As the presidential election rolls around every four years, jockeys for the Republican nomination believe that they carry the mantle of Ronald Reagan, but it might just be that the ideals of the once great president have been misconstrued.

So what were Ronald Reagan’s true beliefs?

The real answer to this question may come as a shock to both conservatives and liberals alike. In 11 Principles of a Reagan Conservative, biographer Paul Kengor dissects Reagan’s presidency by analyzing his speeches and actions, and comes to decisive conclusions to paint a full and accurate picture of what his beliefs truly were: Freedom, Faith, Family, Sanctity and Dignity of Human Life, American Exceptionalism, The Founders’ Wisdom and Vision, Lower Taxes, Limited Government, Peace Through Strength, Anti-Communism, and Belief in the Individual. It’s these 11 principles that lie at the crux of Reagan’s conservatism.

Dr. Paul Kengor is professor of political science at Grove City College and executive director of the college's Center for Vision & Values. Kengor is an internationally recognized authority on Ronald Reagan. Kengor is nationally known for his work on the American presidency. He is part of a select group of presidential scholars to participate in C-SPAN's highly regarded ranking of American presidents. A native of Western PA, Kengor lives in Grove City, PA, with his wife and their seven children.