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A Level Politics > P1 Core Ideology: Liberalism > Flashcards

P1 Core Ideology: Liberalism Flashcards

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1
Q

1.1 Define feudalism

A

A system of agrarian-based production that is characterised by fixed social hierarchies and a rigid pattern of obligations

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2
Q

1.1 Define absolutism

A

A form of govt. in which political power is concentrated in the hands of a single individual or small group, e.g. an absolute monarchy

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3
Q

1.1 Why was the 19th Century significance for liberalism as a movement?

A
  • Beginning of the emergence of the middle class who had conflicting interests with those at the top of feudalism
  • Changed the character of liberalism b/c the political & economic dominance of the middle class & industrialisation led to liberals questioning & revising classical liberalism (mid-C19)
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4
Q

1.1 What are the central themes of liberalism?

A
  • Humans are rational
  • As a result they should be allowed maximum freedom
  • Must be applied consistently to all
  • People rewarded in line w/ their talents & hard work
  • Constitutionalism & consent are ‘pillars’ of liberal society
  • These ‘pillars’ protect from a tyrannical govt.
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5
Q

1.1 Summarise classical liberalism

A
  • Earliest form, high point in early 19th C
  • State exists just to maintain order & personal security
  • Leave individuals alone to achieve maximum freedom
  • Minimal & non-interventionist state
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6
Q

1.1 Summarise modern liberalism

A
  • Emerges mid-19th C, during industrialisation
  • Reaction to the -ve effects of capitalism
  • Maximum freedom not right for society as a whole
  • More interventionist state
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7
Q

1.1 Define individualism

A

The belief in the supreme importance of the individual over any collective group. Individuals are private, separate, & unique entities who have a distinct identity

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8
Q

1.1 Define individuality

A

Self-fulfilment achieved through the realisation of one’s unique identity; what distinguishes one person from all others

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9
Q

1.1 What did John Stuart Mill say about individualism?

A

‘Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign’

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10
Q

1.1 Why is liberalism’s commitment to individualism linked to its core beliefs?

A

Linked to liberalism’s belief in the rationality of individuals. The individual is responsible for their behaviour and knows what their best interests are. These cannot be provided by the state so the individual should be at the heart of all decisions.

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11
Q

1.1 Summarise individualism

A
  • Liberalism believes in the power & capacity of individuals to transform their own lives
  • It places the individual at the centre of decision making
  • The individual has higher claims than the group
  • It is often understood in the sense of personal autonomy
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12
Q

1.1 Define freedom

A

The ability to act as one wishes

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13
Q

1.1 Why does freedom unite all liberals?

A

Freedom unites classical and modern liberals because liberty is the supreme political value in liberalism

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14
Q

1.1 Define natural rights, give an example of something liberals view as a natural right

A

(God-given) rights that are fundamental to humans and therefore inalienable.

Liberals view liberty as a natural right b/c individuals can pursue their own interests by exercising choice

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15
Q

1.1 What was John Locke’s view of freedom?

A

Private property was the embodiment of individual liberty

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16
Q

1.1 How did JS Mill develop Locke’s view of freedom?

A
  • Said freedom of speech, thought, & religion was freedom as well as owning property
  • Known as the ‘bridge’ between classical and modern liberalism as his ideas look back on early C19 and forward to early C20
  • ‘On liberty’ (1859) said bold statements for individual liberty & negative freedom
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17
Q

1.1 How did JS Mill view individuality?

A

He was concerned with ‘higher’ pleasures rather than ‘lower’ ones. Placed an interest on human flourishing rather than satisfaction of interests.

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18
Q

1.1 Summarise freedom (liberty)

A
  • The ability to act as one wishes
  • Closely linked to individualism
  • Liberals believe the individual should be as free as possible
  • But that it must be constrained to some extent
  • Society must be based on individual freedom for individuals to flourish
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19
Q

1.1 What do liberals view the state as? Why?

A

A ‘necessary evil’ because it creates ordered society but has the potential to undermine individual liberty

The liberty of one person can be in threat of, or under threat of, others’ individual liberties. Therefore, a state is needed that is capable of restraining all individuals. (Social Contract Theory)

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20
Q

1.1 Define Social Contract Theory

A

The state is set up with agreement from the people to respect its laws which serve to protect them.

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21
Q

1.1 Define State of Nature

A

A society characterised by unrestrained freedom and the absence of established authority.

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22
Q

1.1 What problems did Locke see with the state of nature?

A

When natural laws were violated, there were no police or judges so victims had to enforce the law themselves. Therefore it was reasonable for a community to surrender some liberty to a state.

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23
Q

1.1 Define Mechanistic Theory

A

Idea that the state was created by the people to serve them and act in their interests

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24
Q

1.1 Summarise the Social Contract Theory

A
  • Political authority comes from below, i.e. with the consent of the people
  • State created by citizens themselves, not God
  • State exists to serve the interests of the people
  • Individual is more important than society
  • Roles/people can rise/fall according to merit
  • Society has no fixed social structure
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25
1.1 What did Locke believe the government's 3 minimal functions were?
1. Maintaining public order & protecting property 2. Providing defence against external attacks 3. Ensuring contracts are enforced
26
1.1 What did Locke believe about Mechanistic Theory?
If the govt. becomes a tyranny then the people do not have to obey the laws as the state is not acting in their interests.
27
1.1 Summarise what Liberals think about the state
- All liberals believe that the state is a necessary evil - They believe it can serve a useful role in society - This is based on social contract theory - Also useful here is the harm principle
28
1.1 What 4 stipulations do Liberals believe constitute towards the freedom of individuals?
1. Individuals can't do something if it involves harming someone else 2. Individuals can't take possession of more than they can use 3. Individuals must leave 'enough and as good' for others 4. Individuals can only acquire property by their own labour
29
1.1 What system do all Liberals agree on?
Capitalism - it is the clear embodiment of individualism b/c the free market encourages economic freedom. They accept inequality is caused but this helps to incentivise people (more classical view). Liberals broadly agree the economy should be based on private property & enterprise.
30
1.1 What are the differences between classical and modern liberal views on the market economy?
Classical liberals think the market economy is self-regulating & that consumers & producers indicate wishes through the price mechanism Modern liberals think the economy should be regulated by the govt.
31
1.1 Summarise the liberal view about the role of the state in the economy
- All liberals support private property & capitalism - All liberals believe that the state plays a useful role in the economy - They believe the economy should enhance individualism & freedom
32
1.1 Define Reason
Using the power of the mind to think, understand, and form logical judgements
33
1.1 Define Paternalism
Power exerted from above, which governs in the interests of the people
34
1.1 What was The Enlightenment?
Philosophical movement during C17-C18 in Europe which believed in the celebration of reason. The goals of rational humanity were believed to be knowledge, freedom, & happiness
35
1.1 What is Rationalism?
The idea that one's opinions & actions can depend on reason rather than emotional, religious, or superstitious notions. It is the belief that knowledge stems from reason & emphasises that humans can solve their own problems through reason
36
1.1 What do Liberals believe about rationalism and humans?
Liberals believe humans have the capacity to weigh up costs/benefits of actions. This is why Liberals think individuals can benefit from freedom. Faith in reason shows Liberals think conflict can be resolved by debate & discussion.
37
1.1 How did The Enlightenment challenge societal assumptions?
Before society assumed humans couldn't & shouldn't think for themselves & should listen to authority (paternalism) After it challenged this as the idea that reason is the primary source of authority & legitimacy grew. It advocated for liberty, progress, tolerance, & constitutional govts.
38
1.1 Summarise what Liberals believe about Rationalism
- At the core of rationalism is the belief in reason & logic - All liberals believe that humans have rational capabilities - They believe that humans are capable of making progress through rational thought - Hence they should be free to exercise their rationality
39
1.1 Define Foundational Equality
Rights that all humans have by virtue of being born which cannot be taken away
40
1.1 Why is 'worth' important to Liberals?
All humans are considered of equal value and cannot be graded based on age, wisdom, birth, wealth, or anything else.
41
1.1 What did Jefferson & Locke believe about human rights?
They are 'natural' as they are invested in humans by nature (or God) Jefferson said humans received inalienable rights at birth
42
1.1 Define Formal Equality
Idea that all individuals have same legal & political rights in society
43
1.1 What are the two forms of Formal Equality?
Legal Equality and Political Equality
44
1.1 Explain Legal Equality
- Emphasises 'equal before the law' - Only punished if you break the law - Should be certainty of punishment - No one is above the law
45
1.1 Explain Political Equality
- Universal adult suffrage - Right to protest, express, join parties, run, rally, etc.
46
1.1 What has Formal Equality allowed Liberals to believe?
Allowed liberal feminist beliefs to grow, Wollstonecraft & Friedan argued women were humans deserving of equal rights as men
47
1.1 Define Equality of Opportunity
All individuals should have equal chance to rise/fall
48
1.1 Why do Liberals believe in meritocracy?
- Rewards and incentivises people to develop their talents - They believe inequalities of wealth & social position should solely reflect the unequal distribution of talent
49
1.1 Summarise the Liberal belief about Equality (justice)
- Liberals believe everyone is born equal, known as foundational equality - From this comes a belief in formal equality, i.e. legal & political rights - Liberals believe in equality of opportunity, all individuals have equal access (meritocracy)
50
1.1 What are the key features of a Liberal Democracy?
- The right to rule is gained through success in competitive elections w/ universal adult suffrage - Constraints on govt. imposed by a constitution, checks, & a separation of powers - Protections for individual rights, usually via a bill of rights - Tolerance of differing views
51
1.1 Define Tolerance, why is Voltaire's quote a good definition?
A willingness to accept views/actions with which one is in disagreement with. Voltaire said 'I detest what you say but will defend to the death your right to say it' shows that everyone has equal free speech & this should be preserved.
52
1.1 Define Pluralism
A belief in diversity or choice, or the theory that political power is or should be widely & evenly dispersed.
53
1.1 Why are toleration, pluralism, & free speech essential parts of Liberalism? What did Locke say about this?
They give guidance for how humans should behave to each other. Locke argued a proper govt. has no right to meddle in anyone's individual actions. Toleration should therefore extend to all 'private' matters like religion
54
1.1 What did JS Mill say about toleration?
If every person but one had an opinion, that one's opinion should be protected just as much as everyone else's opinion
55
1.1 Define Limited Government
The role of govt. is limited by checks & balances, & a separation of powers b/c of the corrupting nature of power
56
1.1 Why do Liberals fear power?
- Ego plus power equals corruption - They think govts. should be limited by constitutions & democracy
57
1.1 Define Constitution (Liberalism)
A set of rules that seeks to allocate duties, powers, & functions among the various govt. institutions
58
1.1 Define Bill of Rights (Liberalism)
A constitutional document that specifies the rights & freedoms of the individual & so defines the relationship between the state & its citizens
59
1.1 Define Checks & Balances (Liberalism)
A govt. must divide power between various branches to ensure that no branch can become more dominant than another
60
1.1 Define Separation of Powers (Liberalism)
Principle that legislative, executive, & judiciary power should be separated through the construction of three independent govt. branches.

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