The Conscience of a Conservative · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Conscience of a Conservative by Barry Goldwater.
Chapter 1
The Conscience of a Conservative
The chapter introduces the core principles of conservatism, arguing that the primary concern of political life is the freedom of the individual. It critiques the modern political trend toward collectivism and the expansion of federal power, asserting that both major parties have abandoned the constitutional limits on government. The author calls for a return to limited government, states' rights, and individual responsibility as the foundation of a free society.
Chapter 2
The Conscience of a Conservative
The chapter introduces the core philosophy of conservatism, arguing that it is not merely an economic theory but a comprehensive political philosophy that prioritizes man's spiritual nature over material wants. It critiques both liberal and Republican apologies for conservatism, emphasizes individual freedom, responsibility, and the danger of collectivism, and sets the stage for examining contemporary issues through the lens of maximizing freedom.
Chapter 3
II: The Perils of Power
This chapter critiques the expansion of federal power beyond constitutional limits, arguing that both major political parties have repudiated the principle of limited government. It traces the growth of government through spending, regulation, and taxation, and warns that the concentration of power leads to absolutism. The chapter calls for a return to constitutional restraints and the election of officials committed to reducing government size and restoring liberty.
Chapter 4
III: States’ Rights
The chapter argues that the principle of States' Rights, enshrined in the Tenth Amendment, has been abandoned by both major political parties. It criticizes the federal government's use of grants-in-aid and matching funds to coerce states into compliance, and refutes the notion that the Tenth Amendment is merely a 'general presumption' that can be overridden by federal authorities. The author contends that states have a right to act or not act in reserved areas, and that the proper recourse for state failures lies with the people, not the federal government.
Chapter 5
IV: And Civil Rights
The chapter argues that the Supreme Court's school integration decision in Brown v. Board of Education was unconstitutional because the Fourteenth Amendment was not intended to affect education, which is reserved to the states under the Tenth Amendment. It distinguishes between civil rights (rights protected by valid law) and natural or human rights, asserting that no conflict exists between states' rights and properly defined civil rights. The author supports the goal of integration but opposes federal enforcement, advocating for persuasion and education at the state and local level.
Chapter 6
Freedom for the Farmer
This chapter argues that federal intervention in agriculture, beginning with the New Deal, has been a constitutional and economic disaster. It traces the history of the Agricultural Adjustment Acts, the Supreme Court's reversal in Wickard v. Filburn, and the resulting surpluses, high taxes, and loss of personal freedom. The author advocates for a return to the free market and the termination of farm subsidies, asserting that most farmers prefer independence over government control.
Chapter 7
Freedom for Labor
Goldwater argues that the balance of power between labor and management has shifted dangerously to union leaders, threatening economic stability, political processes, and individual freedom. He advocates for voluntary unionism, right-to-work laws, and an end to compulsory union dues for political purposes, framing these as matters of fundamental civil rights and moral principle.
Chapter 8
VII: Taxes and Spending
This chapter argues that taxation is fundamentally a moral issue tied to property rights and individual freedom, not merely a matter of public finance. It contends that the federal government's claim on citizens' wealth is limited by the Constitution, and that progressive taxation is confiscatory and unjust. The chapter criticizes the Republican Party for failing to reduce spending as promised, citing the increase from a proposed $60 billion budget in 1955 to approximately $95 billion in 1961. It concludes that reducing taxes and spending is essential to restoring freedom and economic strength.
Chapter 9
VIII: The Welfare State
This chapter argues that the Welfare State has become the primary instrument of collectivism, replacing nationalization as the means to subordinate the individual to the state. It critiques the moral and practical consequences of federal welfare programs, emphasizing that they undermine individual responsibility, transform citizens into dependents, and concentrate political power. The author advocates for private charity and local governance as alternatives, warning that welfarism erodes both material and spiritual freedom.
Chapter 10
IX: Some Notes on Education
Goldwater argues against federal aid to education on constitutional, financial, and practical grounds, asserting that education is a state and local responsibility. He critiques progressive education and John Dewey's influence, advocating for a return to traditional academic disciplines and local control to cultivate individual excellence and leadership.
Chapter 11
X: The Soviet Menace
The chapter critiques foreign aid as unconstitutional except when directly serving national security, argues that Communism is a political movement not cured by material wealth, and proposes a hardline strategy for winning the Cold War including withdrawal of recognition from Communist regimes, support for captive peoples' revolts, development of tactical nuclear weapons, and a discriminating aid policy limited to committed anti-Communist allies.
Chapter 12
Endnotes
The endnotes provide clarifications and additional data points, challenging the notion that conservatism is opposed to progress, and offering specific figures on federal welfare expenditures.
