'Liberalism is defined by the desire to minimise the role of the state.' Discuss
‘Liberalism is defined by the desire to minimise the role of the state.’ Discuss (45 marks)
There are two types of Liberals; Classical, who want to minimise the state’s role, and Modern liberals who want a more involved state. Classical liberals want a limited state because they support negative freedom, as they believe it has; created a dependency culture, a potential nanny state, and cause damage to the economy. However, modern liberals want a more involved state because it increases the level of positive freedom, equality of opportunity, social justice, and believe it boosts the economy.
Classical liberals espouse negative freedom, which is the absence of external restraints on individuals. They believe in freedom of the individual, allowing individuals to make their own decisions without the state intruding. Classical liberals want few laws stating what an individual can and can’t do. However, they do recognise the need for some authority, understanding that if there are no rules one individual’s act might well infringe on someone else’s rights. Classical liberals, therefore, advocate the need for the state to protect the individual’s right.
Modern liberals believe that the state increases the level of positive freedom in society. Not everyone in society has access to the same resources as would be available to the wealthy. For example, opportunities available to the wealthy (e.g. university) would not be open to the less fortunate if it weren’t for student finance help provided by the government. The same can be said for health care, which if it weren’t for the Liberal Democrats, would be privatised by the Conservative Party, leaving the poorer section of society less able to tap into this resource. Modern liberals believe that the welfare state is an example of positive freedom, giving the poor access to resources such the NHS (health service), education, and opportunities such as employment.
Classical liberals believe that the state, mainly the welfare
There are two types of Liberals; Classical, who want to minimise the state’s role, and Modern liberals who want a more involved state. Classical liberals want a limited state because they support negative freedom, as they believe it has; created a dependency culture, a potential nanny state, and cause damage to the economy. However, modern liberals want a more involved state because it increases the level of positive freedom, equality of opportunity, social justice, and believe it boosts the economy.
Classical liberals espouse negative freedom, which is the absence of external restraints on individuals. They believe in freedom of the individual, allowing individuals to make their own decisions without the state intruding. Classical liberals want few laws stating what an individual can and can’t do. However, they do recognise the need for some authority, understanding that if there are no rules one individual’s act might well infringe on someone else’s rights. Classical liberals, therefore, advocate the need for the state to protect the individual’s right.
Modern liberals believe that the state increases the level of positive freedom in society. Not everyone in society has access to the same resources as would be available to the wealthy. For example, opportunities available to the wealthy (e.g. university) would not be open to the less fortunate if it weren’t for student finance help provided by the government. The same can be said for health care, which if it weren’t for the Liberal Democrats, would be privatised by the Conservative Party, leaving the poorer section of society less able to tap into this resource. Modern liberals believe that the welfare state is an example of positive freedom, giving the poor access to resources such the NHS (health service), education, and opportunities such as employment.
Classical liberals believe that the state, mainly the welfare