liberalism

Question 1

Individualism

Answer 1

The belief that the individual is the central unit of political concern, with rights and autonomy.

Question 2

Freedom (Liberty)

Answer 2

The right to make choices without external restraint; key division between negative and positive liberty.

Question 3

Tolerance

Answer 3

Willingness to accept different beliefs and lifestyles as part of a pluralistic society.

Question 4

Rationalism

Answer 4

Humans are capable of reason and logic, and should use this to shape society and politics.

Question 5

Equality:

Answer 5

Liberals support foundational equality (equal legal and political rights), but disagree on social/economic equality.

Question 6

Justice

Answer 6

Fair treatment and just outcomes based on individual rights and merit, not rigid equality of outcome.

Question 7

Liberal Democracy

Answer 7

A political system combining individual rights, rule of law, and regular democratic elections.

Question 8

The State

Answer 8

A necessary body to protect individual rights, but should be limited to prevent tyranny.

Question 9

Constitutionalism

Answer 9

Power should be constrained by law and constitutions to safeguard liberty.

Question 10

Classical Liberalism

Answer 10

Emphasises negative liberty, minimal state, free markets, and individual autonomy (17th–19th century).

Question 11

Modern Liberalism

Answer 11

Supports positive liberty, enabling state, social welfare, and regulated capitalism (late 19th–20th century).

Question 12

Neo-Liberalism

Answer 12

Revival of classical liberalism in the late 20th century, focusing on free markets and individual responsibility.

Question 13

John Locke –

Answer 13

Classical Liberal: Argued for natural rights, limited government by consent, and the social contract.

Question 14

Mary Wollstonecraft –

Answer 14

Classical Liberal: Advocated for women’s rights as a logical extension of liberal equality and reason.

Question 15

John Stuart Mill –

Answer 15

Bridge between Classical and Modern Liberalism: Supported individual freedom but also recognised some social responsibility and self-improvement.

Question 16

John Rawls –

Answer 16

Modern Liberal: Advocated social justice through the “veil of ignorance” and state intervention to ensure fairness.

Question 17

Betty Friedan –

Answer 17

Modern Liberal: Supported legal and social equality for women to allow individual potential beyond domestic roles.