conservatism: the state

traditional conservatives link the state to nature and authority.

state does not arise from contracts by free individuals.

authority develops naturally and is imposed from 'above'.

authority is inherent in human nature: teachers, employers, government.

leadership is personal, involving natural gifts or privileged backgrounds.

burke: natural aristocracy—innate leadership qualities cannot be acquired.

need for leadership leads to a pro-state tendency in conservatism.

joseph chamberlain and theodore roosevelt: no private interest should be stronger than the state.

fear of over-government: state can threaten economic growth and security.

new right: state as a 'leviathan' interfering in all aspects of life.