Role of the state

Question 1

What is meant by the state?

Answer 1

A political unit with Sovereignty over a particular territory.

Question 2

Whilst there is some agreement over…

Answer 2

…the key role the state must play in both society and the economy.

Question 3

The main argument of the state essay?

It is a stronger argument to suggest…

Answer 3

Socialists disagree to a large extent on the role of the state.

Question 4

Two main points of the state essay?

Answer 4

1. Will the state be needed? (degree of this)
2. Disagree on the type of state which emerges following socialism.

Question 5

Two main counterpoints of the state essay?

Answer 5

1. most agree in the idea of a strong state + an active role in ensuring equality.
2. All dismiss the idea of absolute power of an individual.

Question 6

Which socialists disagree over the need of a state?

Answer 6

-Marxists- the dictatorship of the proletarliat would destroy all that was left of imperialist capitalist values- once everyone fully accepts communism- humanity reached end of history.
Webb- capitalist state should be replaced by socialist state complete with free speech + democratic elections

Question 7

Which socialists disagree on the type of state which will emerge following socialism?

Answer 7

-Marxist-Leninism-democratic centralism- one party state, no debate, any debate seen as counter-revolutionary and crushed.

-Democratic socialism **Webb*- reform via parliamentary democracy- state brings economy under common ownership-silently change its power to just ‘housekeeping’.

social democracy- state manages economy (Keynes) rather than directly running + owning industry.

Third way- state spends tax to help poorest- cultural +political equality- access to post 16 education ect.- reject cybernetic model where state acts as artifical brain-less welfare to stop dependency.

Question 8

Which socialists agree in the idea of a strong state + an active role it must play in ensuring equality?

Answer 8

-most call for some form of common ownership/ state control over parts of economy.
Crosland- mixed economy - state managed- keynisian economics- use profit in welfare state- equality of opp
Giddens- public spending focused on equality,
Webb- national minimum for wages + common ownership+ nationalisation.

Dictatorshi

Question 9

Which socialists agree with the dismissal of absolute power of an individual?

Answer 9

-socialism champions collectivism- opposes monarchy.
Revolutionary socialists- destroy states.
Evolutionary- remove these states via ballot bix.

Marxist Leninism condemed by other socialists