Introduction

Question 1

what is the significance and influence of liberalism?

Answer 1

Liberalism is one of the most widespread political ideologies of the last 200 years

Has influenced most mainstream parties in the UK and other western democracies

Some of liberalism‘s core ideas including protection of civil liberties, freedom of choice and equal opportunity have become widely supported across the political spectrum in numerous countries

Question 2

what is liberalism characterised by?

Answer 2

Characterised by a positive view of human nature and a belief in social progress

Favours capitalism meritocracy rationalism and constitutionalism

The main concept of liberalism is freedom

Question 3

what did liberalism emerge in reaction to?

Answer 3

Emerged in reaction to the rule of monarchies and aristocratic privilege in the early modern world

Liberalism reflected the views of the educated middle-classes who sought wider Civil Liberties and opportunities to better themselves

Question 4

what is liberalism part of?

Answer 4

liberalism is part of the Enlightenment (and 18th century intellectual movement that rejected traditional social political and religious ideas, it stressed the power of reason and the importance of tolerance and freedom from tyranny)

those influenced by this movement believed in abolishing traditional restrictions on individual freedom which were imposed by institutions such as the church and the state

they believed that people possess different abilities and potentials but are all born equal in rights (though at the time this usually did not apply to women or ethnic minorities)

We should be free to make our own decisions and make the most of our talents and opportunities

Question 5

what is the relationship between liberalism and the US Declaration of Independence?

Answer 5

The United States declaration of independence (1776) drew on liberal thinking

“We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”

Written by Thomas Jefferson and signed by representatives of former colonies in North America stating their intention to govern themselves rather than continue under British rule

Encapsulates liberal ideology