Elements of Liberalism

Individualism

The human individual is given the most importance; emphasis is placed not on social groups or collective bodies. Individuals in this context are considered as having the same worth and possessing their own unique identities.

Freedom

the principal attribute of liberal ideology; faith is placed on the individual, who can act according to his desires.

- Nevertheless, because the exercise of one's freedom may clash with the person's rights, individual liberty is not without limitations.

Reason

Individuals have the capacity to correctly decide matters concerning their interests.

- Underlying this thought is the notion that critical analysis and reason can unravel the rational structure of the world.

Equality

liberals are committed to political equality (one person, one vote; one vote, one value) and to legal equality (equality before the law).

- Their commitment proceeds from the belief that at least in moral worth, all humans are born on equal footing.

Tolerance

willingness of individuals to allow others to think and behave in ways they do not approve;

- toleration is both a guarantee of individual liberty and a means of social enrichment.

Consent

Consent or agreement forms the basis of social relationships and authority in the minds of liberals. The consent of the governed is essential to the existence of governments. Because of this, liberals see the necessity for representation and democracy.

Constitutionalism

The limited government that liberals advocate results from the diffusion of government power through the check and balance mechanism among the various institutions of government.