History: Liberalism

Liberalism traces its roots to the end of feudalism. New liberties brought representative government. The market was no longer at the whim of a single ruling family. This was the birth of modern times.

Liberalism is based on a number of core values and principles. First among them are beliefs in individualism, freedom, equality, justice and reason. These provide the anchors of national constitutions.

This diagram is a useful aid to remembering the key values that define liberalism. These eight tenets provide the foundations of governments all over the world. The ideas have their genesis in the West.

There are a number of key thinkers to consider when discussing the origins of liberalism. John Locke and John Stuart Mill, Mary Wollstonecraft, Thomas Hill Green and Betty Friedan are among them.

Early liberalism is defined by the first definition of the social contract. This idea put the government within the employ of the people. Classical liberalism, social Darwinism and welfarism are later schools of thought emanating from the same beginning.

Different schools of liberalism sees different roles for the government, as well as various degrees to which a government should interfere with the natural course of a nation's development. This chart compares two schools.

Liberalism, like other political ideals, can operate differently in theory than it does in practice. In reality, some industries will run more efficiently in private hands. However, this also lends itself to manipulation of the system. Balance is key.

These flashcards contain many of the key terms from this course and provide an explanation on the reverse. Laissez Faire, Francis Fukuyama and Utilitarianism are among the important touchstones for this discussion.

These 15 questions will challenge your understanding of what you have learnt on this course. Answer these questions correctly and you have a better chance of leading your country to freedom some day...or passing the test.