Liberalism Flashcards
What is liberalism?
A political ideology that emphasizes individual freedom, equality, and limited government.
Who is considered the father of classical liberalism?
John Locke.
True or False: Liberalism advocates for absolute government control.
False.
Fill in the blank: John Stuart Mill is known for his work on _____ and liberty.
Utilitarianism.
What is the main focus of modern liberalism?
Social justice and state intervention to promote equality.
What does the term ‘negative liberty’ refer to?
Freedom from interference by others, especially the government.
Which thinker is associated with the concept of the ‘social contract’?
Thomas Hobbes.
What is the key idea in John Locke’s philosophy?
The protection of individual rights and property.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a core principle of liberalism? A) Individualism B) Collectivism C) Equality D) Freedom
B) Collectivism.
What is the significance of the ‘harm principle’ proposed by Mill?
Individuals are free to act as they wish unless their actions harm others.
True or False: Liberalism supports absolute monarchy.
False.
Fill in the blank: The idea of _____ is central to liberalism’s advocacy for democracy.
Consent of the governed.
Who wrote ‘On Liberty’?
John Stuart Mill.
What is the role of government according to liberal thinkers?
To protect individual rights and liberties.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a characteristic of classical liberalism? A) Economic intervention B) Social welfare C) Free markets D) Strong state control
C) Free markets.
What does ‘positive liberty’ mean?
The ability to act upon one’s free will and achieve personal goals.
Which liberal thinker emphasized the importance of education for personal development?
John Stuart Mill.
True or False: Liberalism is solely focused on economic freedom.
False.
Fill in the blank: Liberalism values _____ as a fundamental human right.
Individual freedom.
What is the importance of the rule of law in liberalism?
It ensures that all individuals are treated equally and that power is not exercised arbitrarily.
Who is associated with the idea of ‘liberal democracy’?
Alexis de Tocqueville.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following concepts is central to liberalism? A) Collectivism B) Individual rights C) Totalitarianism D) Feudalism
B) Individual rights.
What did John Locke believe about property rights?
He believed that property rights are natural rights derived from individual labor.
True or False: Liberalism advocates for censorship to maintain social order.
False.
Fill in the blank: The term ‘laissez-faire’ is associated with _____ economics.
Classical.
What does the term ‘civil society’ refer to in liberal thought?
The sphere of voluntary associations and organizations outside of government control.
Which philosopher argued for the separation of church and state?
John Locke.
Multiple Choice: What does liberalism prioritize? A) Group identity B) Individual autonomy C) Hierarchical structures D) Tradition
B) Individual autonomy.
What is the significance of pluralism in liberalism?
It recognizes and values diversity in society and promotes tolerance of different viewpoints.
True or False: Classical liberalism supports government intervention in the economy.
False.
Fill in the blank: _____ liberalism advocates for a more active role of the state in economic and social matters.
Modern.
What is the concept of ‘tolerance’ in liberalism?
The acceptance of different beliefs and practices in society.
Who is known for the phrase ‘the greatest happiness for the greatest number’?
Jeremy Bentham.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following thinkers is known for his critique of capitalism? A) Adam Smith B) Karl Marx C) John Stuart Mill D) Friedrich Hayek
B) Karl Marx.
What is the liberal view on equality?
Equality before the law and equal opportunities for all individuals.
True or False: Liberalism believes in the absolute freedom of speech without any limitations.
False.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is a key feature of liberal democracy, ensuring free and fair elections.
Electoral process.
What role does education play in liberalism?
It is essential for the development of informed and autonomous citizens.
Which thinker is associated with the idea of ‘self-ownership’?
John Stuart Mill.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a key tenet of liberalism? A) Central planning B) Collective ownership C) Individual rights D) Monopolistic practices
C) Individual rights.
What does the term ‘economic freedom’ mean in the context of liberalism?
The right of individuals to control their own economic resources without excessive government interference.
True or False: Liberalism supports social inequalities as a natural outcome of freedom.
True.
Fill in the blank: The concept of _____ is essential for the functioning of a liberal society, allowing for dissent and debate.
Freedom of expression.
What is the liberal stance on social welfare?
It supports social welfare programs to assist the disadvantaged while promoting personal responsibility.
Which philosopher argued that the state should only intervene to prevent harm to others?
John Stuart Mill.
Multiple Choice: Who is a key proponent of neoliberalism? A) John Maynard Keynes B) Friedrich Hayek C) Karl Marx D) Thomas Hobbes
B) Friedrich Hayek.
What does the term ‘freedom of association’ mean in liberalism?
The right of individuals to join or form groups for social, political, or economic purposes.
True or False: All forms of liberalism advocate for the same level of government intervention.
False.
Fill in the blank: The _____ is a fundamental aspect of liberalism that promotes the protection of civil liberties.
Bill of Rights.
What is the liberal view on international relations?
It advocates for cooperation, trade, and diplomacy over conflict.
Which liberal thinker emphasized the importance of individual autonomy and personal development?
John Stuart Mill.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a critique of liberalism? A) It promotes equality B) It leads to social fragmentation C) It supports democracy D) It values individual rights
B) It leads to social fragmentation.
What does the term ‘social contract’ imply in liberal theory?
An implicit agreement among individuals to form a society and abide by its rules for mutual benefit.
True or False: Liberalism believes in the primacy of the individual over the state.
True.
Fill in the blank: The principle of _____ allows for the protection of minority rights in a liberal democracy.
Pluralism.
What is the liberal perspective on economic inequality?
It acknowledges inequality but emphasizes the importance of equal opportunity.
Which thinker is known for advocating for women’s rights and gender equality?
Mary Wollstonecraft.
Multiple Choice: What is a common goal of liberalism? A) Authoritarian rule B) Economic regulation C) Individual freedom D) Social hierarchy
C) Individual freedom.
What is the importance of free markets in liberal economic theory?
They are believed to promote efficiency, innovation, and individual prosperity.
True or False: Liberalism supports the idea of a welfare state.
True, but with limits on government intervention.
Fill in the blank: The concept of _____ is essential for liberal thought, emphasizing that individuals should have the right to make their own choices.
Autonomy.
What is the liberal view on freedom of speech?
It is a fundamental right that must be protected, even for unpopular opinions.
Which philosopher is known for the idea of ‘the marketplace of ideas’?
John Stuart Mill.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a principle of modern liberalism? A) Minimal state intervention B) Economic collectivism C) Social justice D) Absolute freedom
C) Social justice.
What does ‘self-determination’ refer to in liberal ideology?
The right of individuals and groups to make their own choices and govern themselves.
True or False: Liberalism promotes a static view of society.
False.
Fill in the blank: The idea of _____ emphasizes the importance of individual rights in a liberal society.
Liberty.
What is the significance of the separation of powers in liberal democracies?
It prevents the concentration of power and protects individual freedoms.
Which thinker is associated with the idea of ‘social justice’ in modern liberalism?
John Rawls.
Multiple Choice: What does ‘laissez-faire’ economics advocate? A) State control of the economy B) Minimal government intervention C) Centralized planning D) Collective ownership
B) Minimal government intervention.
What is the liberal stance on immigration?
It generally supports immigration as a means of promoting diversity and individual rights.
True or False: Liberalism is opposed to globalization.
False.
Fill in the blank: The principle of _____ ensures that the government is accountable to the people in a liberal democracy.
Transparency.
What is the liberal perspective on environmental issues?
It advocates for sustainable development while balancing economic growth and environmental protection.
