Lecture Notes Review: Liberalism, Social Contract, and Utilitarianism

Flashcards covering voting rights history, the big three classical liberal thinkers (Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau), utilitarian thinkers (Bentham, Mill), and key concepts like enlightened self-interest, education’s role, and constitutional constraints.

When did non-property white males gain the right to vote according to the notes?

In the 1830s.

Which groups still did not have voting rights after this expansion?

Women and the enslaved population; many immigrants faced citizenship-based barriers post-Civil War.

Post-Civil War immigration context described?

Eastern and Southern Europeans arriving with contested citizenship status limiting immediate voting rights.

What is described as the 'umbrella' of liberalism in the notes?

A framework consisting of the moral core (universal rights), economic liberalism, and political mechanisms.

What does Charles Beard's 'Economic Interpretation of the Constitution' argue?

That the Constitution primarily protects property-owning elites and reflects economic interests.

How are the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution related to liberalism according to the notes?

The DoI reflects the moral core of liberty; the Constitution addresses political/economic questions and is influenced by liberal ideas.

What is Hobbes's view of the social contract?

A survival contract leading to absolute monarchy; individuals surrender rights to a sovereign for protection from the state of nature.

What does Locke argue in The Two Treatises of Government?

Natural rights of life, liberty, and property; government exists to protect these rights; limited authority; consent of the governed; representation.

What is Rousseau's key claim in The Social Contract?

Legitimate government depends on consent of the governed and the general will; true democracy requires radical equality.

How do Bentham and Mill differ in utilitarianism?

Bentham emphasizes maximizing happiness for the individual; Mill adds enlightened self-interest and the role of education in guiding public choice toward the common good.

What is enlightened self-interest?

A self-interest that considers the long-term public good, fostered by civic education.

Why is education critical in Mill's view of political life?

Education, especially civic education, develops enlightened self-interest and helps people recognize long-term public benefits.

What is the 'governor' in Bentham/Mill's framework?

A limit on pursuit of pleasure to prevent harm to others or the community.

Who is often the minority in every society, according to these notes?

The wealthy or the property class.

What constitutional constraint was highlighted in relation to the 2008 financial crisis?

The obligation of contracts; government cannot easily override contracts, though policy responses addressed systemic risk.

What is the 'tyranny of the majority' concern in liberal democracy?

A majority could vote away the rights of a minority; liberalism seeks to limit this and protect minority rights.

What is the general will and which thinker is associated with it?

Rousseau's idea that legitimate government reflects the general will; requires consent of the governed.

What does Mill propose to improve democracy beyond Bentham's framework?

Enlightened self-interest and civic education to align private and public goods.

What danger does undermining science and education pose to public policy?

It undermines consensus-building and the ability to craft rational, enlightened policies.

What is the Lockean view of government's purpose?

To protect natural rights (life, liberty, property) with limited authority; government serves the people.

What are the three core foundations of liberalism discussed?

Moral core (liberty/human rights), economic liberalism, and political mechanisms.

What ongoing question about liberalism is highlighted for 2025?

What the political core of liberalism means—who participates, how decisions are made, and how to balance liberty with equality.