liberalism

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We have seen in this chapter that liberalism refers to a broad array of related ideas and theories of government that tend to consider individual liberty and equality of opportunity to be amongst the most important political goals. Different forms of liberalism may promote very different policies, but liberals are generally united by their support for a number of principles. These principles include: freedom of conscience and speech; limitations on the power of government; adherence to the rule of law; the free exchange of ideas and a transparent system of government. In the liberal perception, it is the individual citizen that truly represents the basis of law and society and therefore public institutions should exist to further the ends of individuals, without showing favour to those in higher social ranks. Thus, from a political standpoint, liberalism tend to stress the social contract ideal, under which citizens make the laws and agree to abide by those laws. This ideal tends to be underpinned by a belief in the minimal interference by the state. Liberals typically argue that ...

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