Liberal Democrats Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is classical liberalism?
A philosophy developed by early liberals who believed that individual freedom would be best achieved with a minimal state.
Classical liberalism emphasizes individual rights and limited government intervention.
What reaction led to the emergence of modern liberalism?
A reaction against free-market capitalism, which was believed to have led to many individuals not being free.
Modern liberalism seeks to address social inequalities and promote welfare.
What is the core value of liberalism?
Liberty.
This includes the protection of privacy, freedom, and individual rights by the state.
What does the phrase ‘freedom from and freedom to’ refer to in liberalism?
The dual aspects of liberty that include freedom from oppression and the freedom to pursue one’s own goals.
This concept highlights the importance of both negative and positive liberties.
What are the key beliefs associated with liberalism?
- Social justice and welfarism
- Democracy and human rights
- Limited government and constitutionalism
- Multiculturalism
These beliefs shape the liberal approach to governance and society.
Who is considered the father of liberalism?
John Locke.
Locke’s ideas about government and individual rights have greatly influenced liberal thought.
What does John Locke’s social contract entail?
Citizens give up some freedom in exchange for government protection of their rights.
If the government abuses its power, citizens have the right to break the contract.
What economic concept did Adam Smith introduce?
The concept of the ‘invisible hand’ of the market.
This idea suggests that individuals’ self-interested actions can lead to positive economic outcomes.
What was Immanuel Kant’s vision for humanity?
Perpetual peace.
Kant believed this could be achieved through international institutions, democratic peace theory, and free trade.
What are the ‘original position’ and ‘veil of ignorance’ concepts by John Rawls?
Theoretical frameworks for determining justice in society.
They encourage decision-making without personal biases about social status.
What economic approach did modern liberalism embrace?
Keynesian economics, with a greater role for the state.
This approach advocates for government intervention to ensure economic stability.
When was the Liberal Party founded?
In 1877.
It was a coalition between the Whigs and radicals.
Who were notable Prime Ministers from the Liberal Party?
- William Gladstone
- Lord Palmerston
These leaders played significant roles in British politics during the Liberal Party’s prominence.
What event led to the decline of the Liberal Party?
By the end of WW2, it had been eclipsed by the Labour Party.
The Labour Party’s rise reflected shifting political sentiments in Britain.
What did the Social Democratic Party (SDP) arise from?
Discontent among Labour Party rebels with the party’s ‘hard left’ direction.
The SDP was formed by the ‘Gang of Four’ in 1981.
What was issued by the SDP upon its formation?
The Limehouse Declaration.
This document outlined the SDP’s principles and goals.
What electoral strategy did the SDP and Liberal Party employ in the 1983 General Election?
They made an electoral pact and agreed not to stand in the same seats.
This strategy aimed to maximize their chances against Labour and Conservative candidates.
What was the outcome of the 1983 General Election for the SDP and Liberal Party?
They only got 30 seats between them.
This performance led to their eventual merger.
What key policy did the Liberal Democrat 2019 Manifesto propose regarding the EU?
Revoke Article 50 to stay in the EU.
This stance was part of their broader pro-European Union position.
What education policy was proposed in the Liberal Democrat 2019 Manifesto?
Triple pupil premium, increase teacher’s pay, scrap SATs.
These measures aimed to enhance educational outcomes.
What health policy was included in the Liberal Democrat 2019 Manifesto?
£7bn cash injection to NHS and social care, with a greater focus on mental health.
This reflects the party’s commitment to improving health services.
What immigration policy did the Liberal Democrat 2019 Manifesto advocate?
‘Anti-hostile environment’.
This policy aimed to create a more welcoming approach to immigration.
What economic measure did the Liberal Democrat 2019 Manifesto propose?
Hike corporation tax to fund increased infrastructure investment.
This proposal aimed to balance economic growth with public investment.
What controversial policy did the Liberal Democrat 2019 Manifesto support?
Legalisation of cannabis.
This reflects a shift towards more progressive drug policies.
