Differing Views & Tensions in Liberalism (Edexcel A Level Politics): Revision Note
Exam code: 9PL0
Classical liberalism
Classical liberalism supports a limited nightwatchman state
The government’s primary role is to protect natural rights and maintain law and order, rather than interfere in day-to-day life
It emphasises negative liberty
This is the belief that individuals should be free from state interference as long as they do not harm others
Classical liberals support foundational and formal equality
They argue that everyone is born with equal rights and should be treated equally under the law
They reject significant state involvement beyond protecting these rights
They believe in meritocracy
This is where individuals succeed based on their own talent, effort and responsibility, rather than birth or social class
Classical liberals favour a free-market economy with minimal state regulation
They believe that economic freedom supports individual liberty and prosperity
Case Study
The early United States of America
Classical liberalism strongly influenced the creation of the United States in the late 18th century
Many ideas shaping the American Revolution and the early political system came directly from classical liberal thinkers such as John Locke
Locke's influence on the American Revolution
American colonists argued that the British government violated their natural rights, especially property rights, through taxation without representation
This reflected Locke’s belief that governments exist to protect life, liberty and property, and that citizens may withdraw consent if their rights are ignored
The Declaration of Independence (1776)
Written by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration stated that all men are created equal and have unalienable rights, echoing classical liberal principles of equality and natural rights
Jefferson also argued that governments gain authority from the consent of the governed, directly reflecting Locke’s social contract theory
Limited government in the US Constitution
The US Constitution (1787) created a system with checks and balances, a separation of powers, and a clearly limited federal government
These features reflect the classical liberal belief in restricting state power to prevent tyranny
Economic freedom
Early US economic policy supported free-market principles, low taxes and minimal state intervention
This followed classical liberal ideas that individuals should pursue their own economic interests with limited regulation
Modern liberalism
Modern liberalism supports positive liberty
Individuals may need state assistance to overcome social and economic barriers and achieve genuine freedom
It promotes social justice
The state should provide welfare, education and anti-discrimination measures to ensure people can develop their abilities
Modern liberals believe in an enabling state, which takes an active role in ensuring equality of opportunity so all individuals can flourish
They accept capitalism but argue for greater economic regulation to prevent exploitation and protect vulnerable individuals
Modern liberals emphasise the rights of women and minority groups
They argue that legal equality must be supported by social and economic reforms
Case Study
Liberal Government Reforms (1906–1914)
The reforms introduced by the Liberal government in Britain are a key example of modern liberalism in action
Politicians such as Herbert Asquith, David Lloyd George, and Winston Churchill argued that the state needed to remove social and economic barriers that prevented individuals reaching their potential
New Liberal policies
The government introduced old-age pensions to support people who could not work
Labour exchanges helped the unemployed find work
The National Insurance Act (1911) provided sickness and unemployment benefits for workers
These measures aimed to give individuals the support needed to enjoy genuine freedom and opportunity
Why this reflects modern liberalism
The reforms showed a shift towards positive liberty, helping individuals achieve real freedom rather than simply limiting the state
They created an enabling state that intervened to improve welfare, health and opportunities
Modern liberals argued that inequality restricted people’s ability to make rational choices, so the state had to act to promote fairness and opportunity
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