State

Question 1

Authority

Answer 1

• Hobbes wrote of the need for ‘formal authority’ and the chaos that happens without it. he believed in the need for an autocratic state.
• this goes further than most conservatives would want.
• law and order is therefore a key cornerstone of any conservative state. Conservative beliefs about human nature ensure their belief in the need for a strong firm state to maintain the discipline of the people.

Question 2

Organic

Answer 2

• according to conservatives a state develops overtime ‘organically’ rather than being created at a given moment through a rational discussion.
• conservatives dislike a state being created on ideas rather than emerging slowly.
• conservatives will resist liberals demand for a codified constitution where one does not exist.
• commitment to tradition will make conservatives more likely to support whatever system is in place. Burke backed the American Revolution before writing his book attacking the French one.

Question 3

Ruling Elite

Answer 3

• traditionally conservatism supports the right of the elites of a country to rule.
• embrace hierarchy in the state.
• ruling elite are seen as born to rule (9 of the last 12 Conservative PMs went to top Public Schools. 2/3rds of the current cabinet went to private school) and act paternalistically ensuring the state needed helped social cohesion and prevented demands for radical change or revolution. However they would also aim to maintain traditional positions in society in terms of wealth and power.

Question 4

Nation-State

Answer 4

• nation and state are strongly connected in conservative ideology since the 19th century.
• New Right: should strengthen nation-state whilst making it smaller. Rand said it becomes leaner and you can concentrate on order and security. However, Nozick was hostile to the state.