About twice as many Americans consider themselves conservative than those who say they are liberal, according to a new Gallup survey.

After 16 separate polls, the group found that about 40 percent in the U.S. say they are conservative, 36 percent are moderate and 20 percent are liberal.

The findings mark the first time conservatives have outnumbered moderates since 2004.

Americans are also leaning more to the right on specific issues.

About 45 percent say there's too much government regulation of business and industry and 53 percent want the government to "promote traditional values."

Gallup said the growing conservatism could have important implications for next year's midterm elections.

The results were based on a sample of 16,321 adults surveyed between Jan. and Sept. 2009.