Liberal Democracy

Question 1

What is meant by liberal democracy?

Answer 1

-democratic system of government in which individual rights + freedoms are officially recognized and protected, and the exercise of political power is limited by the rule of law.

Question 2

Whilst there is some disagreement over…

Answer 2

…the supremacy of the people and the use and extent of demoracy

Question 3

Main argument of the liberal democracy essay?

It is a stronger argument to suggest…

Answer 3

Liberals to a large extent agree with each other on the concept of liberal democracy.

Question 4

Two main points of the liberal democracy essay?

Answer 4

1. Consent of the governed as a basis of legitimacy
2. Agree on foundational equality, equality of opportunity and meritocracy + level of legislation to ensure that these rights+ freedoms are protected.

Question 5

Two main counterpoints of the liberal democracy essay?

Answer 5

1. Disputes over the extent and use of democracy
2. Disputes over political equality and equal civil rights for individuals + the level of legislation put in place to protect that.

Question 6

Which liberals agree with each other over the consent of the governed as a basis of legitimacy?

Answer 6

-John Locke+ social contract- The Two treatises of government- consent only legitimate basis of authority.
-these rules specify a system of coperation designed to advance the good of those taking part in it- **John Rawls **on social contract theory.

Question 7

Which liberals disagree with eachother over the extent of the use of democracy?

Answer 7

Classical libs- democracy dangerous if left to the undeducated masses. Mill proposes plural voting as a way of curbing that influence- modern libs disagree
-modern libs-as long as democracy is limited + monitored by a constitutional framework, protects the greatest number. (like the electoral college).

Question 8

Which liberals argee with eachother on foundational equality and a level of legislation to ensure that it exists?

Answer 8

-all individuals born with natural rights- Locke- life liberty and property. (Rawls agree)
-reject class-based hierarchical systems or titles, or racism, sexism or cultural discrimination (Betty Friedan and Mary Wollstencraft). (equal opportunity).
-John Locke- where there is no law there is no freedom.

Question 9

Which liberals disagree with eachother over political equality and equal civil rights for individuals + the level of legislation put in place to protect that?

Answer 9

-classical liberalism under-represents gender and race (apart from Wollstencraft and Mill)
-modern liberalism (Freidan + Rawls)- champion rights of all individuals as in terms of gender, race, clsss, age, sexuality and gender identification.