The American Conservative Union (ACU) is an American political advocacy organization that promotes conservative principles in public policy and politics. Founded in 1964, the ACU is widely regarded as one of the oldest institutional conservative lobby groups in the United States. Its stated mission emphasizes limited government, individual liberty, free enterprise, a strong national defense, and traditional social values.

Principles and activities

The ACU advances its goals through a mix of public advocacy, lobbying, education, and events. It publishes analyses and ratings of elected officials' voting records, provides policy commentary, and participates in legislative debates. The organization also engages with activists, donors, and allied groups to build support for conservative reforms at federal and state levels.

Program highlights

  • Policy ratings: The ACU produces scorecards that assess how closely lawmakers align with its interpretation of conservative positions.
  • Advocacy and lobbying: It supports or opposes legislation, files amicus briefs at times, and mobilizes grassroots networks around priority bills.
  • Events: The ACU hosts conferences and panels where policymakers, commentators, and activists debate ideas and strategy.

Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC)

One of the ACU's best-known activities is organizing the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, commonly called CPAC. This large gathering serves as a showcase for conservative leaders, journalists, and activists, featuring keynote speeches, policy sessions, and networking opportunities. CPAC has become a recurring forum for testing ideas, elevating emerging figures, and setting talking points for the broader movement. For event details, see the Conservative Political Action Conference.

History and development

Since its founding in the mid-20th century, the ACU has evolved alongside the conservative movement in the United States. Over decades it has expanded its operations from a small advocacy group into an organization with national visibility. Its history reflects broader changes in conservative coalitions, priorities, and internal debates, while its continuity has given it institutional weight within the policy ecosystem.

Influence, distinctions, and criticisms

The ACU's rating system and public events give it influence with voters, activists, and elected officials who use its materials to evaluate political performance. At the same time, the organization has drawn criticism from those who view its positions as partisan or as reflecting a particular strand of conservatism. Internal disagreements within the conservative movement—over strategy, policy emphasis, and alliances—are sometimes mirrored in debates about the ACU's direction.

As a longstanding institution in American politics, the ACU remains a central reference point for understanding organized conservatism. For further background and official materials, consult the ACU site: American Conservative Union.