To what extent do conservatives agree and disagree on the role of the state? Flashcards
What do traditional conservatives believe about governance?
Traditional conservatives believe in a natural hierarchy, so the state should be governed by a natural ruling class.
Who did Hobbes and Burke identify as the ruling class?
For Hobbes, the ruling class was a monarch; for Burke, it was an aristocratic government.
What is the primary purpose of the state according to traditional conservatives?
The primary purpose of the state is to preserve organic society.
How did Burke influence traditional conservatives regarding societal change?
Burke influenced traditional conservatives to accept that society is not static and that the ruling class must enact changes from time to time.
What type of changes do traditional conservatives support?
Traditional conservatives support paternally inspired changes informed by cautious pragmatism and empiricism.
What is the preference of traditional conservatives regarding state involvement?
Traditional conservatives prefer minimal state involvement in society and the economy.
What do traditional conservatives argue regarding protection from forces?
Traditional conservatives argue that society must be protected from both external and internal forces.
What type of foreign policy do traditional conservatives advocate?
Traditional conservatives advocate a hawkish foreign policy and military intervention.
What kind of nationalism do traditional conservatives favor?
Traditional conservatives favor insular nationalism and state autonomy in foreign policy.
What are one-nation conservatives influenced by?
One-nation conservatives are influenced by Burke’s ideas of noblesse oblige and paternalistic state intervention to preserve society.
What is the primary purpose of the state according to one-nation conservatives?
The primary purpose of the state is to preserve society.
What characterized early one-nation conservative reforms?
Early one-nation conservative reforms were influenced by empiricism and saw only small-scale state intervention.
How have later one-nation conservatives approached state intervention?
Later one-nation conservatives have favoured more radical, rationally inspired state intervention, increasing the size of state involvement dramatically.
What do one-nation conservatives advocate in times of crisis?
In times of crisis, they will advocate huge state interference to preserve society and economy.
Example: the Conservative government’s introduction of furloughing during the Covid-19 crisis.
What do neo-conservatives believe is the primary function of the state?
To preserve society.
Influenced by Hobbes and Burke.
How do neo-conservatives view the welfare state compared to one-nation conservatives?
They believe in a less generous welfare state but agree on the necessity of welfare provision to maintain societal order.
What is a criticism neo-conservatives have about anti-poverty programs?
They believe these programs fail because they ignore human imperfection and that humans are not naturally moral or hardworking.
What do neo-conservatives advocate during times of crisis?
Huge state interference to preserve society and economy.
Example: neoconservative Republican support for the CARES Act 2020 during the Covid-19 crisis.
What do neo-liberals argue regarding government size?
Neo-liberals argue for what Nozick called a miniaturist government, advocating for minimal state interference in the lives of individuals.
How do neo-liberals view state interference?
Of all the branches of conservatism, neo-liberals are the most hostile to state interference in society and the economy.
What is the primary role of the state according to neo-liberals?
Neo-liberals, like Nozick, see the primary role of the state as protecting human rights, with state involvement limited to functions such as force, theft, and enforcement of contracts.
What is neo-liberals’ stance on the welfare state?
Consequently, neo-liberals do not believe in a state-sponsored welfare state. Nozick argued that state taxation to pay for such schemes was ‘legalised theft.’
Example: Neo-liberals oppose welfare programs funded by taxation.
How do neo-liberals differ from other branches of conservatism regarding hierarchy?
Unlike other branches of conservatism, neo-liberals oppose the idea of a natural hierarchy and instead favor meritocracy, where the most able lead.
