✅liberalism + the state

liberalism + the state

• In a state of nature, individuals would at times have disagreements over their interests as they each pursued their own self-fulfilment

• A state is therefore necessary to provide formal structures to judge + resolve disputes fairly, rather than just the strongest winning out

• The premise of the liberal state however developed over time from this basic justification to incorporate wider principles, w modern liberals also endorsing meritocracy, equality of opportunity + justice

 Objectives of the liberal state (classical)

1. Rejection of the ‘traditional’ state

2. Govt by consent

3. Promotion of natural rights/ individualism

4. Promotion of tolerance

Rejection of the ‘traditional’ state:

explicitly oppose monarchical absolutist + arbitrary rule, especially based on God’s will or ‘divine right’

govt by consent:

• States legitimacy derives from the consent of the governed; they must have volunteered to be ruled

• People can control, as citizens, not subjects (Locke: ‘govt should always be the servant, not master, of the people’

• The State is a social contract- an agreement between govt + the governed- individuals accept the state’s restrictions, as long as it suits them (citizens can challenge state) + guarantees rights

promotion of natural rights/ individualism

• Outside the state individuals hold ‘natural rights’, so it would not be rational to abandon these + submit unconditionally; state must promote natural rights

promotion of tolerance

• Linked to individualism- people must be free to seek self-determination, w/out restriction

• The state must tolerate all actions + opinions as long as they cause no harm (harm principle - J.S. Mill)

• People aren’t isolated + detached- they’ll choose to form associations such as religions. These communities- esp minorities- must be allowed + protected; + the state shouldn’t interfere w them

objectives of the liberal state (modern)

1. meritocracy

2. equality of opportunity

3. justice

meritocracy + political power

• Political power should be held by those who have gained it on merit, competence, integrity + the trust of the governed, rather than hereditary principle + aristocracy. None are ‘born to rule’

equality of opportunity

• All people are born equal, so must have equal opportunity to develop to their full potential + take control of their lives

• If the state provides equal opportunity, people are responsible for own success/ failure, not anyone else , or the state

justice + the state

• State must embody justice- all can expect to be treated fairly, w/out discrimination + assume they can get a just outcome in disputes (rule of law)

how a liberal state can be achieved/ guaranteed?

• constitutional/ limited govt

• fragmented govt

• formal equality

• constitutional/ limited govt

• Social contract must be formalised in a codified constitution, based on discussion + consensus  - avoids arbitrary use of power

• Govts must be limited by pre-arranged rules + can’t be able to erode citizens’ natural rights

modern e.g.s of a constitutional/ limited govt

• separation of powers

• Bicameralism (2 houses in parl)

• Supreme Court

• HRA

fragmented govt

• Avoid concentration of power as this causes corruption + use checks + balances to maintain this

• Involve as many as possible in decision making (as all people are rational)

modern e.g.s of fragmented govt

• Devolution/ decentralisation/ federalism

• Referenda

• Checks and balances

formal equality

• All individuals are born equal, so should have equal legal + political rights

• No one is outside or above the law (rule of laws)

modern e.g.s of formal equality

• Equality act 2010

• Widening participation

Liberals believe in individualism + capitalism. But these can only work together when ___?

• overseen by a certain type of state