Liberalism - Differences And Tensions

Question 1

Classical liberalism

Answer 1

• supports a minimal state as the bet way to protect individual liberties and is an earlier form of liberalism

Question 2

Classical - minimal state

Answer 2

• all liberal to that the state is incompatible with individual liberty to some extent
• classicals say that a ‘minimal’ state has enough institutions to keep order such as law & order but has limited intervention in the economy & personal lives
• the minimal state and classical liberals support the idea of negative freedoms

Question 3

Classical - minimal state (economy)

Answer 3

• laissez-faire economy
• market is able to allocate scare resources most efficiently
• state control of the market doesn’t allocate resources to those who value them the most
• eg liberal governments of the 19th century supported free trade and tariff reform

Question 4

Classical - minimal state (private space)

Answer 4

• one where the state does not infringe on the personal realm
• individuals are entitled to private space with no moral conduct imposed by state
• eg the first UD amendment allows freedom of speech & religion (state can’t infringe upon an individuals right to speech or religion)

Question 5

Classical - freedom

Answer 5

• classicals believe in negative freedom (less state intervention id good so that individuals become self-reliant and take more responsibility)
• classicals are opposed to people becoming reliant on the state

Question 6

Modern liberalism

Answer 6

• newer form of liberalism & believes in regulation the free market in order to prevent high levels of inequality

Question 7

Modern liberalism - market

Answer 7

• power of the free market capitalism to distribute resources in society
• structural reasons that stop fair distribution of resources and opportunities; poverty,unemployment,lack of education
• therefore state intervention is accountable for the fair distribution of resources

Question 8

Modern liberalism - enabling state

Answer 8

• support the enabling state
• a larger state that provides individuals with the resources that may be necessary to succeed
• supports individuals rather ham forcing them to be successful
• as a result this kind of state accepts more government intervention in society and in the economy, eg progressive taxation can be used to raise income for social welfare progammes

Question 9

Example of enabling state

Answer 9

• the welfare form that took place after the Second World War were heavily influenced by the work of Sir William Beveridge, a liberal peer
• outlined ways to support the poorest and worst-off in society

Question 10

Positive freedom

Answer 10

• modern liberals believe in positive freedom where state intervention can ensure freedom
• can be brought through increasing opportunities for citizens to through policies which reduce poverty in society