Conservative Party (Lower Columbia)

The Conservative Party of Lower Columbia is one of the three major political parties in the Federal Kingdom of Lower Columbia. It has been the most successful national political party in Lower Columbian history, having been either the sole party in the Government or part of a ruling coalition for most of its existence. It currently is the largest party in both houses of Parliament, though it lacks a majority in either house; consequently, one of its members is the Lord (currently Lady) of the Assembly, while another leads the Government in the Council.

Platform
The Conservatives are most often identified as war-hawks, since they have historically supported territorial expansion and increased defense spending. They are also the most pro-business of the major parties, favoring free-market economic policies and as few regulations as possible. In addition, the Conservatives favor small government and fiscal responsibility, which together have resulted in Lower Columbia having a very small national debt. True to their name, their social policies are very conservative, with a heavy focus on patriotism as the motivating factor for continuing the compulsory military service program, tough restrictions on immigration and encouraging new immigrants to both acculturate quickly to the nation and seek to become citizens. The Conservatives also strongly support freedom of speech and gun ownership rights while opposing the establishment of a welfare state, legalization of abortion and recreational drugs, and disestablishment of Christianity as the government religion.