On what grounds do conservatives defend authority?

Authority, as it is described in this sense, refers to the concept of 'power cloaked in legitimacy', or the right to exercise power over others. Power may be described as being able to make someone do something that they might not otherwise do. Conservatives, that is to say, those who subscribe to a conservative ideology (but may not necessarily align themselves with the Conservative party of today) have usually defended authority for several reasons. The first of these is to maintain order and discipline. Conservatives, especially social conservatives and authoritarian conservatives, value order and discipline as vital to a strong and safe society. This authority prevents the breakdown of social structures, lawlessness, and even anarchy. It can also encourage values in (what conservatives might consider) a positive way, such as tight-knit communities and families, and law-abiding citizens. Secondly, conservatives defend authority on the basis that it is the 'natural role of society'. By this, they mean that there are many people, especially children, but also those who might otherwise be vulnerable, such as the uneducated, who need authority to 'show them what is good for them'. This view is especially espoused by paternalistic conservatives. Thirdly, authority is seen as providing a sense of belonging and security. As well as enforcing a safe society and thus keeping people physically secure, authority allows people to understand where they fit in society. This provides a feeling of social security and also allows for emotional fulfilment as people embrace and embody their role. Different conservative ideologies place different emphasis on the importance of authority. For authoritarian conservatives, authority, discipline and social order are seen as the most important values, and so authority is regarded as absolute and unquestionable. One Nation conservatism, on the other hand, may place less emphasis on absolute authority and favours more liberal social values (e.g. the introduction of gay marriage under David Cameron's coalition government).