A comprehensive list of all the Liberalism and Conservatism notes you need for the core political ideas section of your Pearson Edexcel Government & Politics A-Level. Contains definitions of key terms; explanations of Liberalism core values; origins and definitions of multiple Liberalism subtraditi...
Key Term Definition
Individualism Social theory favouring freedom of action for individuals over state/collective control
Freedom The power/ability to act, speak and think as one desires
Justice A fair and reasonable outcome
Rationalism Basing opinions and actions on a reason and knowledge rather than uncertainties
Equality A state in which people are afforded equal treatment, particularly in status, rights and opportunities
Liberal A democratic system of government in which individual rights and freedoms are officially recognised and
Democracy protected, and the exercise of political power is limited by the rule of law
Constitutionalism The idea/attitude that the power of the government is set out and limited by a body of fundamental law
Consent An agreement to do something
Utilitarianism The belief that actions are just if they are useful or for the benefit of a majority
Toleration A willingness to respect the values, customs and beliefs of others, despite disagreeing with them
Neoliberalism A political approach that favours free-market capitalism, deregulation and reduction in government spending
Consensus A general agreement
Social Contract Hypothetical agreement amongst individuals through which they form a state. Defines an individual’s
obligations to the state and the state’s obligations to the individual.
Neoliberalism Revival of economic liberalism that has taken place since 1970s. Aimed to stop and reverse the trend towards
big government which interfered in people’s lives, instead arguing that the market is morally and practically
similar to any form of government control as it is naturally efficient, allows humans to pursue their own
interests and allows the best and most useful to survive and thrive. Most closely linked with Conservatives like
Thatcher, Friedman and Reagan.
Liberalism Core Values
Tolerance Individualism Liberty Justice Reason
Liberals believe that society Fundamentally, liberalism Liberals believe that we Liberals believe that, since The belief that humans have
must welcome the vast places a high degree of trust should have the power to people are born equal, they the capacity to think for
array of lifestyle choices on the shoulders of express and exercise should have equal political themselves and make their
provided no one is being individuals. The individual is personal freedom but we rights and be equal before own decisions – our
harmed by such actions and a rational being who is have a duty to ensure that the law. Everyone should behaviour is governed by
we should therefore adopt responsible for their own our actions should not harm have equality of opportunity rational interest rather than
, forbearance (patient self- behaviour. In return for or limit the freedom of so that they are able to irrational emotions and
control) towards those who fulfilling this responsibility, others. The individual benefit from their talents prejudice. Therefore, we are
differ from the norm. the state should empower therefore should avoid and willingness to work. governed by reason and
Liberals fully accept a wide the individual as much as actions that are detrimental However, individuals are not should be entrusted with as
diversity of lifestyle choices possible. to others within that expected to be equal in much freedom as possible.
but they do not tolerate the society. However, this economic terms since
‘intolerable’. freedom only applies to prosperity is seen to result
rational and responsible from individual talents.
beings, therefore excluding
children.
Liberalism Subtraditions
Subtradition Origins Beliefs
th
Classic Pre-18 century, Europe was Belief Definition Philosopher & Core Value
Liberals ruled by strict monarchs, leaving Individuals The idea that those who prosper in life are those who are Charles Darwin
liberals to believe that the Social most willing to work hard to achieve this success. It also Individualism as it places the
power they possessed was Darwinism argues that inequalities are inevitable in life and the life chances of an individual
immoral and should be limited government shouldn’t try to amend these. in their hands
by a firm constitution. They also
believed in a representational Freedom The government has a responsibility to protect the right of John Locke, Thomas
government that would protect Natural humans that are necessary to live a free and unobstructed Jefferson
the rights of the people who Rights life. The people have the right to overthrow a government ?
were repressed within the feudal that does not do this.
system. During the 19th century, Opportunities Individuals are motivated by the pursuit of personal pleasure Individualism/Reason
Liberal idea began to gain
Utilitarianism and, as rational individuals, are able to make decisions that
acceptance across the Western will provide themselves with this. The government should
world due to the rise of the utilise this to deliver the greatest good for the greatest
middle class. Liberals advocated proportion of society. Can lead to majoritarianism.
for an industrialised market
Economy The belief that there should be a free market with little Adam Smith
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