Conservative type of politics and democracy

Although conservatism is a concept about which there is a lot of confusion as to what it means, it is still the most talked about political concept. The confusion about conservatism is that much that it is widely debated whether it is an ideology or not. But the main accusation directed towards conservatism is that it is uncompatible with democracy which is unarguable the sole legitimate way of rule. İt is argued that conservatism is a state of mind (ruh hali) or disposition that must be avoided.However, conservatism is surely an ideology and can easily live with democracy. Although the theory of conservatism consists of principles and wievs which are openly contrary to democracy in practice this situation changes. Surely the difference seen between the theory and practice of democracy can be interpreted as the retreat of conservatism or its transformation. But when it is thought that the most basic concerns of conservatives are the maintanance of the order, stability and security of the society, this deviation of conservatism from their theory can be understood better. When conservatives see a danger of the collapse of the order of society they can make concessions in their theory and accept principles and institutions which they severely criticise. The relatioship between conservatism and democracy can be interpreted through this perspective. Besides this, some principles of conservatism makes the relationship between conservatism and democracy more easy. For example it can be expected that conservatism, with the principle of limitation of political power, opposition to totalitarian ideas and structures, should support but not hinder the operation of democracy. But on the other hand, it can not be claimed that the relationship between conservatism and democracy is totaly without problems. In other words, some principles of conservatism contradicys with the principles and necessities of democracy. But as it is stated above, the pragmatism of conservatism starts operating when it is necessary and the conservatives can put aside temporarily their principles which contradicts with democracy.Key Words1.Conservatism2.Democracy3.Liberal Democracy4.Politics