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To what extent are conservatives united in their attitude towards the state? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider both sides in a balanced way. - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 3 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 3
To what extent are conservatives united in their attitude towards the state? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:To what extent are conservatives united in their attitude towards the state? You must use appropriate thinkers you have studied to support your answer and consider both sides in a balanced way. - Edexcel - A-Level Politics - Question 3 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Points in Agreement
Answer
For most conservatives, the nation-state plays a critical role, often viewed as a unifying force within society. Thinkers like Edmund Burke emphasized the importance of the state in providing order and preventing social disintegration. Conservatives generally agree that the state serves as a 'kind benefactor' that protects individuals while maintaining societal stability.
Additionally, conservatives stress the essential need for law and order to support civil society, viewing the state's function as paramount in safeguarding against chaos. This perspective underscores a shared belief among conservatives regarding the significance of a strong state as a means to uphold social values.
Step 2
Points in Disagreement
Answer
Despite the consensus on the importance of the state, there are notable disagreements among conservatives. Many right-leaning thinkers express an inherent fear of state overreach, with figures like Ayn Rand critiquing government intervention as fundamentally harmful. Rand posits that excessive involvement of the state threatens individual freedom and autonomy.
Furthermore, libertarian viewpoints, represented by thinkers such as Robert Nozick, argue against state authority. Nozick contends that a minimal state is necessary, advocating for individual rights over extensive governmental control, which he believes can undermine personal liberty.
Overall, while conservatives generally agree on the importance of the state, they diverge significantly in terms of the extent of its authority and influence on individual freedoms.