Political Individualism

Question: Is the individual or the state the best starting point for politics?? Discuss with reference to at least 3 ideologies.

Individualism creates a foundational platform for the development of political ideologies. Most of the political movement and activism originates from individual perceptions towards socio-political factors in the society. Political individualism has contributed to progressive political process and changes in legislation to achieve the democratization of state. However, a political process advocated by the state has some aspects of authoritarianism, which deny populations the right to freedom of expressions and contribution to national policy making. There are several political ideologies, which have been observed

A notable aspect of liberalism regards the belief that a state has no moral authority of wielding political power and control over the citizen without justification or explanations. Additionally, liberalism philosophical argument is based on the equality and freedom of individuals to make personal decision for their own good provided there in no interference with state stability. Political liberalism proposes adoption of liberal rights and institution which work towards encouraging individuals to engage and subscribe to their appeal without coercion. Consequently, liberalism has enabled growth articulation of individual ideological inclination in state affairs, for example, in legislative process and policymaking. The new development in global politics and current affairs such feminism movement are attributed to the entrenchment of individualism as an essential foundation of national

Such assertion has been employed by political parties, which are perceived to have some collective philosophical view of social and economic matters in the state. Conservatism movement influences state socio-cultural orientation, Political standpoint and religious practices. Legitimization of social conservatism has led to individuals engaging in activism and political process, which to some sections of society seem offensive and equated to civil disobedience. Conservatism is employed in the formation of political parties in most democratic states. Such parties tend to subscribe to certain political ideologies, which emanates from ideas shared by individual founding members. In such case, influential persons are able to appeal and persuade other members to implement their ideas, which would be institutionalized as the image of the party. For example, in the United States, the two dominant political parties which include Democratic and Republican party haves aspects of conservatism in their ideologies which are funded by individual donors and activist. The Republican Party stands for reduction of power of Federal government and tax cuts while the Democratic Party pursues courses, which encourage liberalism and some aspects of welfare states. Therefore, individual role in shaping social conservative agenda through nationalism