POL101Y1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Classical Liberalism, Limited Government, Alexis De Tocqueville
Document Summary
Liberal"s political concerns have been altered in the past three centuries. Social-democrats who opposed both the one-party state and uncontrolled capitalism believed their disbelief in the legitimacy of private property in the means of production distinguished them from liberal democrats. Often times liberals ask themselves what they have in common, where their boundaries lie. Classical- limited in its aims, cautious about its metaphysical basis, and political in its orientation (john locke, adam smith, alexis de tocqueville) Focuses on limited government, the maintenance of rule of law, the avoidance of arbitrary and discretionary power, the sanctity of private property and freely made contacts, and the responsibility of individuals for their own fates. Not necessarily a democratic doctrine- nothing in the bare idea of majority rule to show that majorities will always respect the rights of property or maintain the rule of law.
