POLS1301 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Keynesian Economics, Bourgeoisie, Liberal Democracy
Document Summary
Pols1301 week 3 [liberalisms: liberal democracy: rule by the people and a constitutional form of law, liberal democracies began as a rejection of absolutist rule and reflective of the interests of a rising middle-class: Sought freedom from state to pursue profit. Political representation to secure their interests: liberal democracies are fundamentally individualistic as a result of a business/profit orientated new social class: Individual is best judge of their own good: suffering and pleasure. Individuals automatically avoid suffering and seek pleasure [utilitarianism]. (cid:858)night(cid:449)at(cid:272)h(cid:373)a(cid:374)(cid:859) state: Laws that prevent crime but otherwise minimal interference in the lives of citizens: constitutionalism is also an essential part of a liberal democracy: John locke and j. s mills: liberal democracies tend to be representative democracies and operate with a laissez faire economy, a liberal democracy has freedom of thought, opinion, belief. People must have the freedom to choose their own goals, to own property and to participate in government.
