Political Parties- The Conservative Party Flashcards
The main ideas of the Conservative Party are:
+ a stress on order and harmony in society
+ opposition to strongly held ideology or political principles
+ a preference for gentle reform over radical ideas
+ a belief in individualism and a limited state when it comes to economic matters
+ patriotism and support for traditional institutions and values
+ a pragmatic approach to political decision making
+ low taxation, financial responsibility and support for capitalism
+ a stress on the importance of private property ownership
+ a preference for community rights over individual rights when it comes to fighting terrorism
+ a stress on law, order and national security
Why is the Conservative Party not completely unified?
The two main party factions:
-One Nation Conservatism
-New Right Conservatism
Party faction
A group within a political party, either formal or informal, which promotes ideas that are significantly different from the mainstream ideas of the party.
The One Nation faction tends to:
+ believe in noblesse oblige
+ accept the need for the welfare state
+ believe in the organic society - this involves support for local institutions (the Church etc.) that One Nation Conservatives see as the key to binding society together
+ be pro-EU
+ encourage private enterprise although accepts the ‘mixed economy’
One Nation
A faction within the Conservative Party that is concerned with social cohesion. As a result, it is supportive of the welfare state and advocates a mixed economy rather than one that solely promotes privatisation.
Noblesse oblige
A French expression that essentially means that the rich have responsibility to the poor.
The New Right faction tends to:
+ believe that individual wealth should not be taxed
+ believe that the welfare state leads to a dependency on the state
+ have a respect for order
- a strong police force is required
+ be wary of immigration, be anti-EU and pro-America
+ have a strong belief in a limited state — in favour of privatisation
New Right
A faction within the Conservative Party that combines neo-conservative beliefs (traditional values and an emphasis on law and order) with neo-liberal beliefs (limited state intervention in the economy and low taxation).
Which faction of the Conservative Party is split into a further two factions ?
New Right conservative
What is the New Right Conservative Party split into?
neo-conservatism and neo-liberalism
Neo-conservatism
emphasises a belief in order and traditional values, and a wariness of immigration. Neo-conservatives primarily focus on the structure of society and the political system. They believe that society is naturally hierarchical.
Neo-liberalism
places greater emphasis on limited government intervention in the economy. Free markets and privatisation are promoted while welfare is opposed due to the fear that it leads to dependency.
Does the Conservative Party support One Nation or New Right policies and ideas surrounding the ECONOMY?
New Right evidence
The 2019 manifesto promised not to raise national insurance contributions, VAT and income tax.
These policies fit in with the belief that people should keep their wealth.
Does the Conservative Party support One Nation or New Right policies and ideas surrounding the ECONOMY?
One Nation evidence
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £170 billion investment programme in the 2020 budget, which included a number of infrastructure projects, in a bid to boost economic growth.
This policy fits with the One Nation belief in a mixed economy with some state intervention.
Does the Conservative Party support One Nation or New Right policies and ideas surrounding the WELFARE?
New Right evidence
Since 2010 the party has supported welfare reform, which has led to a reduction of benefits through benefit caps, the ‘bedroom tax’ and the introduction of universal credit.
These policies support the view that welfare leads to dependency, and that market-based solutions to service provision are preterable.
Does the Conservative Party support One Nation or New Right policies and ideas surrounding the WELFARE?
One Nation evidence
The 2019 manifesto spoke of ‘levelling up’ funding for schools and hospitals, with Boris Johnson promising 20,000 more police officers and 50,000 more nurses.
These policies support the One Nation view of noblesse oblige - that the rich have responsibility for the poor.
Does the Conservative Party support One Nation or New Right policies and ideas surrounding the LAW AND ORDER?
New Right evidence
In 2020, the home secretary, Priti Patel, proposed a points-based immigration system to reduce unskilled migration. Boris Johnson promised to end the early release of those found guilty of terror-related offences after the London Bridge and Streatham attacks.
These policies fit with the New Right belief in a strong police force and in respect for order and people knowing their place in the hierarchy.
Does the Conservative Party support One Nation or New Right policies and ideas surrounding the LAW AND ORDER?
One Nation evidence
David Cameron favoured rehabilitation instead of punishment for drug addicts. Furthermore, Theresa May warned the police about the overuse of stop and search against the black community.
Both of these policies fit with the One Nation belief in compassionate conservatism.
Does the Conservative Party support One Nation or New Right policies and ideas surrounding the FOREIGN AFFAIRS?
New Right evidence
Boris Johnson promised to ‘get Brexit done in the 2019 general election. The Tories supported the US-led wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and believe that terrorism is a clear and present threat to the nation.
These positions fit in with the New Right dislike of the EU and support for the US-UK special relationship.
Does the Conservative Party support One Nation or New Right policies and ideas surrounding the FOREIGN AFFAIRS?
One Nation evidence
Most Conservative MPs at the time voted and campaigned to remain in the EU.
This position fits in with the pro-EU stance of One Nation Conservatives.
