These 10 websites are a strong start for building an understanding of the basics of conservatism. These websites focus on educating the public, providing resources for action, and often specialize in one core issue (economics, abortion, gun rights).
01
of 10
Republican National Committee
For many political conservatives, the Republican National Committee is where their site list starts ...and ends. The Republican National Committee's Web site is often seen as the pulse of the movement, a place where conservatives can virtually congregate and share like-minded ideologies.
02
of 10
The Heritage Foundation
Founded in 1973, The Heritage Foundation is one of the most widely respected research and educational institutes in the world. As a think tank, it formulates and promotes conservative public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values, and a strong national defense. The Heritage Foundation offers policies and perspectives on every major issue that's important to conservatives. With its "A" list of scholars, the foundation "is committed to building an America where freedom, opportunity, prosperity and civil society flourish."
03
of 10
The Cato Institute
The Cato Institute is one of the nation's leading authorities on public policy and its insight is guided by a strong moral purpose and "the principles of limited government, free markets, individual liberty, and peace." Its mission statement is clear: "The Institute will use the most effective means to originate, advocate, promote, and disseminate applicable policy proposals that create free, open, and civil societies in the United States and throughout the world." The Institute commissions studies, books, and briefings from a variety of industry professionals. Its site, Cato.org, is an excellent place for conservatives to educate themselves and investigate political issues of every stripe.
04
of 10
Citizens Against Government Waste
Citizens Against Government Waste(CAGW) is a non-profitorganization that acts as a "government watchdog" for the fiscally conservative. The organization has one million supporters across the nation and was founded in 1984 by the late industrialist J. Peter Grace and syndicated columnist Jack Anderson. According to their website, "CAGW's mission is to eliminate waste, mismanagement, and inefficiency ingovernment."
Media Research Center
The mission of the is to bring balance to the news media. The aim of the Media Research Center is to expose the liberal bias that exists and influence the public's understanding of critical issues. On October 1, 1987, a group of young determined conservatives set out to not only prove—through sound scientific research—that liberal bias in the media does exist and undermines traditional American values, but also to neutralize its impact on the American political scene through advocacy and activism.
06
of 10
Townhall
Founded in 1995, Townhall.com was one of the first conservative websites on the Internet. It's not only a website but a print magazine and radio news service geared towards political conservatives that features over 80 columns.
07
of 10
National Federation of Republican Women
The National Federation of Republican Women is a national grassroots political organization with more than 1,800 local clubs and tens of thousands of members in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and the Virgin Islands, making it one of the largest women's political organizations in the country. The NFRW uses its resources to promote an informed public through political education and activity, increase the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government, facilitate cooperation among the National and state Federations of Republican women's clubs, support Republican objectives and policies and work for the election of Republican nominees.
08
of 10
National Right to Life
National Right to Life is the nation's largest pro-life organization that focuses on educating the public and promoting pro-life legislation nationwide and in all 50 states. The organization also provides resources for women who are pregnant and seeking help and alternatives to abortion.
09
of 10
National Rifle Association
The National Rifle Association is the premier defender of the 2nd Amendment and works to promote gun rights. The organization promotes safe gun practices and provides training resources including concealed permit and self-defense classes.
10
of 10
American Enterprise Institute
Like the Heritage Foundation and the Cato Institute, the American Enterprise Institute is a public policy research organization, which sponsors research, studies, and books on the top economic and political issues facing the nation. What separates AEI from other public policy organizations is its unabashed conservative approach. According to its website, AEI.org, the organization's purposes "are to defend the principles and improve the institutions of American freedom and democratic capitalism―limited government, private enterprise, individual liberty and responsibility, vigilant and effective defense and foreign policies, political accountability, and open debate." For a conservative, this site is a trove of pure gold.
