article_snippet: For almost half a century, "big government conservatism" has ruled the modern GOP.
article_snippet: Although conservatism is theoretically about limited government, the historical reality has been much different.
article_snippet: On national defense, the hawks of the modern GOP have been victorious.
article_snippet: Even while railing against the dangers of a big federal government, Republicans have lined up to support higher defense spending and a massive military-industrial complex.
article_snippet: Though the modern GOP the modern GOP has little tolerance for many social safety net programs, the modern GOP has accepted sizable government support to industry, such as the financial bailout known as TARP in 2008 and subsidies for certain economic interests.