1. Liberalism-development
 Political roots lie in the 17th century with the
writings of John Locke
 According to Locke people have ‘NATURAL
RIGHTS’
 Economic roots lie in the 18th century with
the writings of Adam Smith – prosperity
depended on allowing people to trade in a
free market

2. A few key concepts
 Freedom
 Equality
 Toleration
 Word liberal derives from the latin word
LIBER –associated with free/freedom

3. Strands of liberalism
 Classical – the needs of the individual;
emphasis on liberty and personal rights,
limited role for the state, private ownership,
markets, competition
 Progressive/modern – what the state could
do to help the individual - welfare provision,
state activism, equality of opportunity
 Neo-liberalism – rejected the approach of
progressive liberalism & refocused on the
needs of the individual

4. Current liberal thinking
 Combines views of classical and modern
liberalism
 Individual freedom
 Equality of opportunity
 Social justice
 Political participation
 Protection of individual rights

5.  Constitutional reform - dispersal of power,
favours a limited state with institutionalised
checks and balances –codified constitution,
entrenched bill of rights, bicameralism
 How far have Labour’s reforms reflected
the principles of constitutional liberalism?
 Many liberal ideas adopted by the other
main parties –one nation
conservatives,Labour tradition of reforming
liberals

6. Liberal Democrats-core principles
 Creation of a society where nobody is
enslaved by poverty, ignorance or
conformity
 Freedom of individuals to make their own
choices & free from authoritarian
government
 Representative democracy, pluralism,
partnership, devolution,pro Europe