Liberal Democracy Flashcards
what is social contract?
an unofficial agreement between the state and the citizens where the citizens give up some elements of freedom in return for security.
what is the idea of Tyranny of the Masses?
the fear that too much democracy may lead to populist individuals suppressing the rights of minorities or individual freedoms.
What did John Locke believe?
People must give freely and renew their consent to be governed
john locke: context
Locke was writing having experienced the English Civil War, and rejecting the conservative Thomas Hobbes’ idea of a social contract where everyone gives up all freedoms for their security.
how do classical liberals view liberal democracy?
Classical Liberals tended to look at the idea of democracy with an element of elitism. JS Mill believed that certain, more educated, citizens deserved more voting power than the ‘uneducated masses’. This system would prevent the masses from steering a country into ruin.
how do modern liberals view liberal democracy?
Modern Liberals would fundamentally disagree with any suggestion that certain individuals are better than others. They would agree that there needs to be constitutional ‘brakes’ to prevent the rule of the mob, so long as it was within the framework of the state.
