Key Concepts of Liberalism

TASK: Identify which key concepts and principles are being described, using the words below.

Harm principle            Developmental Individualism            Positive freedom        Formal equality

Minimal state             Negative freedom                  Tolerance                    Keynesianism Meritocracy

Limited government               Enabling state             Mechanistic theory                Social contract

Egoistic individualism      Foundational equality     Laissez-faire capitalism     Equality of opportunity

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• The idea that individual freedom is linked to human flourishing

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• A willingness to accept values, customs and beliefs with which one disagrees

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• Freedom from interference by other people

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• Having the capacity to act on one’s free will

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• Where the role of government is limited by checks and balances, a separation of powers because of the corrupting nature of power

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• An economic system organised by the market where goods are produced for exchange and profit, and wealth is privately owned

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• The idea that all individuals should have equal chances in life to rise and fall

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• Rights that all humans have by virtue of being born, which cannot be taken away

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• A society organised on the basis that success is based on ability and hard work

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• An unofficial agreement shared by everyone in a society in which they give up some freedom in return for security

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• The idea that individual freedom is associated with self-interest and self-reliance

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• The idea that the role of the state must be restricted in order to preserve individual liberty

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• The theory that people created the state to serve them and act in their interests

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• A larger state that helps individuals achieve their potential and be free

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• An economic system that requires government involvement to stimulate the economy to achieve full employment and price stability

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• The idea that all individuals have the same legal and political rights in society

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• The idea that individuals should be free to do anything except harm other individuals