Political Science - Research Paper Example

Before we can call the Danish government conservative, we must first briefly discuss, What is conservatism? It can be basically divided into two parts: fiscal conservatism and social conservatism. For the purposes of this essay we will focus mostly on the former. Edmund Burke, the father of conservatism, once wrote: [I]t is to the property of the citizen, and not to the demands of the creditor of the state, that the first and original faith of civil society is pledged. The claim of the citizen is prior in time, paramount in title, superior in equity.

The fortunes of individuals, whether possessed by acquisition or by descent or in virtue of a participation in the goods of some community, were no part of the creditors security, expressed or implied.[T]he public, whether represented by a monarch or by a senate, can pledge nothing but the public estate; and it can have no public estate except in what it derives from a just and proportioned imposition upon the citizens at large.1 The focus on individuals and their economic rights are a cornerstone of conservative thought.

(It should be noted here, that Burke’s version of conservatism is essentially the same as classical liberalism.) The state should not unduly interfere in the lives of its citizens. While extensive state spending—as implemented by the Danish Social Democratic party during their many years in power—may appeal to key sectors of the population (e.g. unions and students), it does nothing to provide economic opportunities for the average citizen and indeed captures many in a cycle of dependence.

In this regard, the election of Rasmussen in 2001 was a breath of fresh air. He is, after all, the author of a book called From Social State to Minimal State and the author of a signature policy that freezes new taxes. He has gone someway to remake his Liberal