State

Question 1

Introduction - Themes

Answer 1

• State Intervention
• Paternalism
• Pragmatism

Question 2

Introduction - Argument

Answer 2

There is broad agreement that due to the impection of human nature there need to be a state, however, there are fundamental disagreements when it comes to how far the state should intervene

Question 3

State Intervention - Agree - Point

Answer 3

All conservatives agree that there must be a state, without it there would be no liberty, and there could be no order until the emergence of a clear, undisputed class backed firm authority

Question 4

State Intervention - Disagree - Point

Answer 4

• One Nation conservatives have adopted the view that the state should be enlarged in order to promote social stability
• New Right conservatives feel that a small state is much better as it promotes individualism and liberty

Question 5

State Intervention - Disagree - Example
(One Nation)

Answer 5

Michael Oakshott theorised the ‘nautical metaphor’ whereby its the job of the government to ‘keep the ship afloat at all costs’ and to accept the necessary changes of direction

Question 6

State Intervention - Disagree - Example
(New Right)

Answer 6

Ayn Rand took a different approach arguing that a ‘small state is a strong state’

Question 7

Paternalism - Agree - Point

Answer 7

All conservatives acknowledge that the inequalities within human nature, in turn, lead to a state in whcih there is a hierarchy of power and privilege

Question 8

Paternalism - Disagree - Point

Answer 8

• Traditional and One Nation conservatives believe that the state should support a paternalistic state
• New Right conservatives feel that the state should be based on individualism and meritocracy

Question 9

Paternalism - Disagree - Example
(Traditional and One Nation)

Answer 9

Burke argues that society is comprised of ‘little platoons’ which provide a sense of community and comradery. One Nations tend to act on soft paternalism demonstrated by the Brexit referendum

Question 10

Paternalism - Disagree - Example
(New Right)

Answer 10

Nozick argued that paternalism was a threat to individual freedom and fostered a dependency culture. He believed in a monarchist state which outsourced public services to private companies

Question 11

Pragmatism - Agree - Point

Answer 11

Conservatism is a pragmatic ideology, especially when it comes to the state. One Nation is more paternalistic to keep the working class happy, while the New Right was created to curb socialist ideas

Question 12

Pragmatism - Disagree - Point

Answer 12

• One Nation and Traditional conservatives are far less ideologically driven and place far more emphasis on pragmatism and taking each economic event as it happens
• New Right’s policies are far more radical and ideologically driven

Question 13

Pragmatism - Disagree - Example
(Traditional)

Answer 13

Burke’s organic society can be related to traditional conservatives view on the state - he argued that the state much develop cautiously and organically. This aligns with Oakeshott’s nautical metaphor

Question 14

Pragmatism - Disagree - Example
(New Right)

Answer 14

Liz Truss’s autumn mini budget was incredibly radical and proposed plans which were going to be seen through well into the future