To What Extent Are Liberals United In Their Views On The State? (24)

AGREE State is necessary but powers should be limited. (Government by consent)

Classical Liberals

John Locke - social contract theory which suggests individuals form governments through an implicit agreement to protect natural rights (life, liberty, property).

Modern Liberals

John Rawls - state is necessary to ensure justice and fairness in society

AGREE State should promote individualism and protect the right of minorities

Classical Liberals

John Locke - advocated for tolerance for minority groups. Argued that state should not impose religious beliefs on citizens.

Modern Liberals

Betty Friedan - played a role in establishing the National Organisation for women which advocates for legal and societal changes to achieve gender equality.

DISAGREE View of the state

Classical Liberals - "necessary evil"

Locke - state only exists to protect natural rights

Modern Liberals - "necessary good"

T.H Green state must help individuals develop their potential.

Rawls state must intervene to ensure fairness and equality of opportunity.

DISAGREE Size of the state (intervention)

Classical Liberals - state should act as a 'night watchman' to protect individual rights (life, liberty, property)

Adam Smith - the invisible hand would guide the economy and lead to prosperity

Modern Liberals

John Rawls - state should address inequality through fair access to resources. The enabling state provides education, healthcare etc funded through progressive taxation. In the UK these beliefs were carried out in the Beveridge report which laid the foundations for the welfare state which included the NHS.