Question
To what extent do liberals agree on democracy?
Argument
More agreement
Paragraph topics?
Tyranny of the majority v. full voting rights (disagree)
Consent from people (agree)
Protection of rights (agree)
Views of classical liberals on tyranny of the majority v. full voting rights?
Classical liberals believe in caution in relation to extending full voting rights. They often supported limiting political participation to educated or propertied citizens to protect liberal principles.
Classical liberals thinker on tyranny of the majority v. full voting rights?
John Stuart Mill writes that “The tyranny of the majority is now generally acknowledged to be one of the dangers of [pure] democracy.” This highlights the classical liberal concern that majority rule can threaten individual freedom and rights if not limited.
Modern liberal view on tyranny of the majority v. full voting rights?
Modern liberals believe in broad suffrage arguing that democratic participation is essential to legitimacy and equality. They believe fears of majority tyranny can be mitigated through checks, balances, rather than restricting who can vote.
Modern liberal thinker on tyranny of the majority v. full voting rights?
T.H. Green writes that “Freedom means not merely the absence of restraint, but […] requires participation in the common life of the community.” This highlights the modern liberal view that political rights should be extended.
Classical liberal views on consent from the people in democracy?
Classical liberals believe that governments should be formed with the consent of the people, without this consent, any authority is unjust.
Classical liberal thinker on consent from the people in democracy?
Locke’s social contract theory emphasises that political authority comes “from below” (with the consent of the masses/people). It is created by citizens themselves, not by some higher unknown force.
Modern liberal views on consent from the people in democracy?
Modern liberals believe that governments must have the consent of the people; they focus on democratic participation and institutions as the means of expressing that consent.
Modern liberal thinker on consent from the people in democracy?
John Rawls writes that “Our exercise of political power is proper and hence justifiable only when it is exercised in accordance with a constitution”. This highlights the modern liberal view that a government’s authority must be acceptable to the governed.
Classical liberal views about protection of rights in democracy?
Classical liberals believe that the primary and limited role of the state should be to protect the natural rights of the citizens, this is the only scenario in which government intervention can be justified.
Classical liberal thinker on protection of rights in democracy?
Locke suggested that the state should not extend beyond three minimal functions:
1. Maintaining public order and protecting property
2. Providing defence against external attack
3. Ensuring that contracts are enforced
Modern liberal views on protection of rights in democracy?
Modern liberals believe that a effective democracy should protect rights, this should extend beyond legal/political rights to include social and economic rights.
Modern liberal thinker on protection of rights in democracy?
Rawls stated “Each person possesses an inviolability founded on justice that even the welfare of society as a whole cannot override.” This emphasises the modern liberal view that governments must protect basic rights as a foundation for justice and legitimacy.
