Cards (4)

  • Classical liberalism defined liberty as individuals being left alone (negative freedom). Modern liberals think individuals are not free unless they are actively ‘enabled’ via interference from others (positive freedom).
  • Classical liberalism championed a minimal state. Modern liberals champion an enlarged, enabling state. Classical liberalism was inclined to see taxation as ‘theft’ and sought to restrict it. Modern liberals often see increased taxation as the key method for implementing positive freedom.
  • Classical liberalism favoured laissez-faire capitalism from which the state is detached. Modern liberals favour Keynesian capitalism, where the state seeks to ‘manage’ market forces.
  •  Classical liberalism had an unenthusiastic  view of democracy, prioritising instead the interests of property owners. Modern liberalism has championed representative democracy.