Liberalism

Question 1

Features of classical liberalism

Answer 1

Revolutionary potential
Target patriarchy
Negative liberty
Minimal state
Laissez-faire capitalism

Question 2

Features of modern liberalism

Answer 2

Postive liberty
Enlarged state
Constitutional reform
Social liberalism

Question 3

Tensions between classical and modern liberalism (Human nature)

Answer 3

All liberals believe that individuals are rational
Classical liberals believe rationalism is innate
Modern liberals believe rationalism is a potential feature, needing to be exploited by enlightened liberal authorities

Question 4

Tensions between classical and modern liberalism (Society)

Answer 4

Classical liberals believe that human society predates the state
Modern liberals believe the industrialised and urban societies make individuals less autonomous and therefore require state support to be free

Question 5

Tensions between classical and modern liberalism

The state

Answer 5

All liberals believe that the state should function according to prearranged rules, with powers separated and authority subject to the consent of the governed
Classical liberals believe state intervention should be minimal (negative liberty)
Modern liberals believe in extensive state intervention in order to enable individuals to reach their potential (positive liberty)
Classical liberals see democracy as a threat to property rights
Modern liberals are satisfied that representative democracy enhances constitutional government

Question 6

Tensions between classical and modern liberalism

The economy

Answer 6

All liberals believe that the economy should be based on private property and private enterprise
Classical liberals support the idea that the state should adopt a laissez-faire attitude to the economy
Modern liberals argue that capitalism requires regular state management to endure full employment - supranational organisations

Question 7

Liberalism - Human nature

Answer 7

Has a huge capacity to bring about progress and forge human happiness - Locke then Mill
Rational
Ability to affect the future
Enlightenment
Optimistic
Rationality prevents egotistical individualism from going too far

Question 8

Liberalism - The economy

Answer 8

Support capitalism - linked to positive view of human nature

Associated with private enterprise and private ownership of the economy

Question 9

Liberalism - The state

Answer 9

Believe that individualism (human nature) and capitalism (the economy) work best together when accompanied by a certain kind of state
Argue that a state is needed in order to provide the formal structures needed to resolve the clashes of interest between individuals pursuing their own egocentric agendas within the state of nature

Question 10

Rights promised to the people through the social contract

Answer 10

Promotion of natural rights / individualism
Promotion of tolerance
Meritocracy
Equality of opportunity
Justice

Question 11

Liberalism - Society

Answer 11

Believe in a “natural society” where certain “natural rights” are enjoyed
Argue that the main purpose of any society is to facilitate individualism