liberalism core principles

Question 1

define liberalism-

Answer 1

Liberalism is seen essentially as a product of The Enlightenment as it recognises that humans
are rational creatures capable of understanding the world and making decisions for
themselves

Question 2

what are the core ideas and principles of liberalism?

Answer 2

• foundational equality
• Formal equality
• Equality of opportunity
• Social contract
• Meritocracy
• Mechanistic theory
• Tolerance
• Limited government

Question 3

what is individualism and why is it important

Answer 3

individualism is the focus of an individual person as a primary political figure . this is important because it shows how people are different to each other but still have the same rights

Question 4

what is meant by freedom/ liberty ? as a key principle regarding liberalism

Answer 4

-liberals see freedom and liberty as a natural right of a human , because it means that an individual can act in there own self interests whilst expressing individuality and uniqueness , because this is true freedom.

Question 5

what is the link between

Answer 5

9

Question 6

what is meant by the state? as a liberal key principle ?

Answer 6

liberals view the state as an necessary institution that’s role is to avoid disaster, but Evil because it has the potential to remove liberty thus should be limited

Question 7

what is rationalism as a principle of the liberal ideology .

Answer 7

rationalism refers to the idea that humans are rational beings that are capable of reason and logic, this reinforces the idea of individualism because it means that

Question 8

what is the state known as according to liberals

Answer 8

• a necessary evil .

Question 9

what is meant by equality/ social justice ?

Answer 9

this is the belief that individuals are of equal value and should be treated impartially and fairly by society.
- equality of opportunities

Question 10

what is meant by a liberal democracy?

Answer 10

a democracy that balances the will of the people as shown through elections, with limited gov and a respect for civil liberties in society.

Question 11

why do liberals support a liberal democracy? and why is it a concern

Answer 11

• liberals support lib democracy because they favour limited gov

liberals support the idea of a liberal democracy because it hold politicians to account which makes them accountable to their elected representatives because they support a transparent decision making process eg policies such as the freedom of information act human rights act.

Question 12

what characteristics do liberals like about a liberal democracy

Answer 12

• accountability
• open gov
• codified constitution
• separation of powers
• legislative reform on the premise of greater democracy