Liberalism- The State

Question 1

What do liberals agree on in terms of the state (individuals)

Answer 1

All liberals recognise that the state is necessary to protect the individual’s rights and liberties from threats posed by others

Question 2

What do liberals agree on about the state

Answer 2

A powerful state poses an even greater threat to the individual. Therefore, all liberals believe in the concept of ‘limited government’ with constitutional limits, a separation of powers and checks and balances.

Question 3

What else do liberals agree on in terms of in terms of the state (Legitimacy)

Answer 3

Individual interests take priority over these of the state- legitimate government requires consent and the state must stick to the terms of the social contract

Question 4

How is this expressed…

Answer 4

Free and fair elections with universal suffrage. However, this is where tensions between liberalism and democracy are really apparent

Question 5

What do CL’s think about the state inc. Locke quote

Answer 5

CL’s believe in a minimal state- state should protect negative freedom and guarantee formal equality. Locke argued for a ‘night watchman’ state that existed largely to protect property rights and act as a fair arbitrator between individuals competing for resources.

Question 6

What did mary Wollstonecraft craft want the state to do

Answer 6

Give women equal protection under the law and equal political equality… quote stuff from society section

Question 7

What do CL’s think of the welfare state

Answer 7

Welfare state and large state intervention generally makes individuals less self-reliant and more dependent on the state