The Conscience of a Conservative · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Conscience of a Conservative by Barry Goldwater.
Each chapter has a companion in the reader — open a free preview to see notes beside the text.
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.
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