9.4 The role of the state in the economy and society

Question 1

What do all aspects of liberalism subscribe to?

Answer 1

The mechanistic theory of the state

Question 2

What is the mechanistic theory of the state?

Answer 2

The idea that the state is not organic but was created by individuals to serve them and act in their interests

Question 3

JS MILL CLASSICAL LIBERAL IDEAS ON THE STATE

Answer 3

JS MILL CLASSICAL LIBERAL IDEAS ON THE STATE

Question 4

What did Mill argue would hinder an individual’s development?

Answer 4

State interference and restriction of individual autonomy

Question 5

What was JS Mill’s classical liberal overload argument?

Answer 5

Adding further responsibilities burdens an already overloaded state

Question 6

What was Mill’s classical liberal corruption argument?

Answer 6

Extension of powers to the state adds to the likelihood of abuses of power

Question 7

JS MILL MODERN LIBERAL IDEAS ON THE STATE

Answer 7

JS MILL MODERN LIBERAL IDEAS ON THE STATE

Question 8

What 3 things did JS Mill believe the state must provide?

Answer 8

• Public goods e.g. clean air, water
• Must interfere to protect children
• Education for its citizens

Question 9

What was JS Mill’s modern liberal overload counter argument?

Answer 9

That the extra responsibilities of the state are necessary to maintain freedom

Question 10

What was JS Mill’s modern liberal corruption counterargument?

Answer 10

The exceptions to classical liberalism will not lead to abuses of power as they are altruistic in nature

Question 10

MODERN LIBERALISM - THE ROLE OF THE STATE IN THE ECONOMY AND SOCIETY

Answer 10

MODERN LIBERALISM - THE ROLE OF THE STATE IN TH ECONOMY AND SOCIETY

Question 11

What did TH Green argue about liberty and freedom as defined by classical liberalism?

Answer 11

That they were worthless if individuals lacked the capacity to exercise those liberties

Question 12

What type of state does modern liberalism advocate?

Answer 12

An enabling state

Question 13

What are 3 government acts that are examples of the state trying to facilitate the development of individuals?

Answer 13

• The Labour Exchanges Act 1909
• The National Insurance Act 1911
• The Trade Unions Act 1913

Question 14

What report did modern liberalism inspire?

Answer 14

The Beveridge Report 1942

Question 15

What did the Beveridge Report create the foundation for?

Answer 15

The postwar welfare state

Question 16

What type of economics do modern liberals prefer over Adam Smith’s laissez-faire economics?

Answer 16

Keynesian economics

Question 17

What were John Rawls’ 3 principles of justice?

Answer 17

1. Individuals had to have the same set of absolute liberties
2. There must be equal opportunities for all
3. Although some inequalities were inevitable, there must be a priority to help the disadvantaged

Question 18

What was Rawls’ ‘difference principle’?

Answer 18

Although inequality was inevitable, there must be a priority to help the disadvantaged