core ideologies

• mechanistic theory

  mankind is rational and so capable of devising a state that reflects mankind's needs
• egotistical individualism

  humans are naturally drawn to the advancement of their own selfish interests and the pursuit of their own happiness, but this does not lead to conflict or gross insensitivity due to mankind's concurrent rationalism
• social contract theory

  the state should be a deal between governments and the governed. in return for submitting to state laws, the governed should be guaranteed certain rights. if these rights are violated, so is the citizen's obligation to obey state laws
• government by consent

  those under the state's jurisdiction have volunteered to be under its jurisdiction - the government must have the consent of the governed
• limited government

  government is 'limited' in how it can act by a constitution's formal rules and procedures
• laissez-faire capitalism

  an economic system which allows private enterprise and capitalism to operate with little or no interference from the state
• negative liberty

  notion of freedom where individuals are left alone to pursue their destiny. any attempt to interfere with individual actions may therefore be judged on infringement of liberty
• foundational equality / natural rights

  rights that all humans have by virtue of being born which cannot be taken away
• formal equality

  the idea that all individuals have the same legal and political rights in society
• equality of opportunity

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

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

  a willingness to respect values, customs and beliefs with which one disagrees
• positive freedom

  the idea that freedom is about personal fulfilment and realisation of potential
• Keynesianism

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

  the idea that individual freedom is linked to human flourishing