How did the Liberal Democrats form?

Question 1

How did the Lib Dems form?

Answer 1

Established in 1988 from the merging of the liberal and SDP who were disillusioned Labour figures who wanted to be distanced from the extremist left wing.

Question 2

What is the ideology of liberalism?

The two branches

Answer 2

Associated with notions of personal liberty, toleration and limited government. It is often subdivided into two separate strands: classical liberalism and
progressive (or new) liberalism.

Question 3

What is Classical liberalism?

Answer 3

• Favouring minimal state intervention
• Stress the importance of freedom, toleration and equality.
• Believe self-reliance and self-improvement have a bigger part to play than the state in improving the lives of those from less privileged backgrounds.
• Very much adopted by thatcher in her Neo-liberal manner

Question 4

What is new liberalism?

Answer 4

Sees the need for some regulation of the market as well as the provision of basic welfare. Emphasis on
reform, individual rights and a mixed economy.

So like one-nation conservatism

Question 5

What did Nick Clegg change under the Lib Dems?

Answer 5

Developed a programme for government that included more orthodox policies on issues such as constitutional reform and the protection of civil liberties, alongside other pledges like the prospect of significant tax cuts, if elected.

Question 6

What were Orange Book liberals?

Answer 6

Draw on ‘classical liberalism’ Influenced by the neo-liberalism

Question 7

What were Social liberals?

Answer 7

Draw on the ‘new’ or progressive liberalism of Keynes and Beveridge - Reject Thatcherite economics