Your Politics Guide

• Minimal State: The state should only exist to protect individuals from violence or to uphold contracts. It should not intervene in people's lives and the economy beyond this.
• Negative Liberty: Freedom is achieved through non-interference. The state must not restrict personal or economic choices unless they harm others.
• Rule of Law: Laws must be clear and apply equally to all. It must also prevent arbitrary use of power. The state itself is subject to the law.
• Constitutional Government: Power should be divided and checked (e.g., separation of powers, regular elections) to prevent tyranny.
• Consent: Government legitimacy comes from the consent of the governed. Citizens have the right to remove governments that violate their rights. social contract The idea that individuals consent to form a government that protects their rights.
• Economic Freedom: The state should protect property rights but allow free markets. They should not interfere with trade or business.
• Key Thinkers: John Locke (social contract), Adam Smith (free market).

• Enabling State: The state should actively promote equal opportunities. It should help individuals overcome barriers such as poverty.
• Positive Liberty: Freedom means having the ability to fulfil one's potential, not just being left alone. The state should provide support and resources to make real freedom possible. For example, access to education.
• Public Services: The state should provide public services to ensure everyone can participate fully in society.
• Regulation: The state should regulate the economy to prevent exploitation and reduce inequality. This can be done through progressive taxation. However, it should not excessively interfere with individual freedoms.
• Protection of Rights: The state must safeguard civil liberties such as freedom of speech.
• Democratic Participation: The state should encourage active democratic involvement. This can be done through fair voting systems and civic education.
• Key Thinkers: John Stuart Mill (developmental freedom), John Rawls (justice as fairness).

Classical liberals want a limited state. Historically, they focused on protecting freedoms and property. Modern liberals believe the state should play a positive, enabling role in creating a more equal society.