Liberal Democracy

Where is Liberal Democracy mainly used?

The Western World

What does it encourage

Political, Social and Economic competition between parties and pressure groups

How does the Government get its legitimacy?

Through the people, through elections, where adults that can vote, with a good selection of candidates and a secret ballot

What is the central aim?

Limit the powers of the main branches of government over the individual

How was it developed?

From the ideas of ideological thinkers e.g. Adam Smith who believed people should have reasonable freedom, especially in trade and business

Others, e.g. John Locke, beloved people should be able to remove the government from power if they abuse it

What are the 5 main points behind Liberal Democracy?

1. The government should not enjoy total power

2. Elections must be Free and Fair

3. The governments involvement in the economic market should be minimal

4. The government should be there to deal with problems when needed

5. Embraces the issues of civil liberties, freedom of speech, freedom of thought, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion etc.

How does ‘Rule of Law’ link?

Guarantees someone equality before the law and the governments powers can be curtailed by laws enforceable in court

Further developed by the growth of impact of the European Court, which acts as a ‘Check and Balance’ against the governments of member states