The Conscience of a Conservative · Chapter
II: The Perils of Power explained
This chapter critiques the expansion of federal power beyond constitutional limits, arguing that both major political parties have repudiated the principle of limited government.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Limited Constitutional Government
The chapter centers on the repudiation of limited government by both parties and the erosion of constitutional restraints on federal power.
States' Rights and Federal Overreach
Criticizes federal preemption of state functions and the concentration of power in Washington, undermining the federalist system.
Spiritual vs. Material Man
Implied in the critique of voters trading liberty for material security, preferring government benefits over freedom.
Characters to notice
- Narrator
The narrator presents a conservative critique of federal overreach and advocates for constitutional restraint.
- Mr. Larson
Cited as a Republican spokesman who repudiated limited government by asserting the federal government can do whatever needs to be done.
- Ben Franklin
Quoted for his warning at the Constitutional Convention: 'A Republic, if you can keep it!'
- Alexis de Tocqueville
Invoked for his prediction that American democracy would produce 'guardians' and lead to voluntary tutelage.
- The True Conservative
Described as the ideal public official who pledges to reduce government, repeal laws, and prioritize liberty over welfare.
- Most Americans
Mentioned as increasingly alarmed by government overreach and desiring a reversal of the trend.
Key passages
“The government can do whatever needs to be done; note, too, the implicit but necessary assumption that it is the government itself that determines what needs to be done.”
The government claims the authority to decide what is necessary and to act accordingly, without constitutional limits.
Highlights the repudiation of limited government by both parties.
“A Republic, if you can keep it!”
The survival of the Republic depends on the vigilance of its citizens.
Ben Franklin's warning underscores the fragility of constitutional government.
“Our defenses against the accumulation of unlimited power in Washington are in poorer shape, I fear, than our defenses against the aggressive designs of Moscow.”
Domestic threats to liberty from government overreach are more pressing than foreign military threats.
Compares internal constitutional decay to external Cold War dangers.