Liberalism developed from the political writings of John Locke in the 17th century advocating for natural rights and the economic writings of Adam Smith in the 18th century supporting free markets. Key concepts of liberalism include freedom, equality, and toleration. There are three strands of liberalism - classical emphasizing individual liberty and limited government, progressive supporting state welfare and equality of opportunity, and neo-liberal rejecting progressive views and refocusing on individual needs. Current liberal thinking combines classical and progressive views supporting individual freedom, equality of opportunity, social justice, and protection of individual rights.

1. Liberalism-development
 Political roots lie in the 17th century with the
writings of John Locke
 According to Locke people have ‘NATURAL
RIGHTS’
 Economic roots lie in the 18th century with
the writings of Adam Smith – prosperity
depended on allowing people to trade in a
free market

2. A few key concepts
 Freedom
 Equality
 Toleration
 Word liberal derives from the latin word
LIBER –associated with free/freedom

3. Strands of liberalism
 Classical – the needs of the individual;
emphasis on liberty and personal rights,
limited role for the state, private ownership,
markets, competition
 Progressive/modern – what the state could
do to help the individual - welfare provision,
state activism, equality of opportunity
 Neo-liberalism – rejected the approach of
progressive liberalism & refocused on the
needs of the individual

4. Current liberal thinking
 Combines views of classical and modern
liberalism
 Individual freedom
 Equality of opportunity
 Social justice
 Political participation
 Protection of individual rights

5.  Constitutional reform - dispersal of power,
favours a limited state with institutionalised
checks and balances –codified constitution,
entrenched bill of rights, bicameralism
 How far have Labour’s reforms reflected
the principles of constitutional liberalism?
 Many liberal ideas adopted by the other
main parties –one nation
conservatives,Labour tradition of reforming
liberals

6. Liberal Democrats-core principles
 Creation of a society where nobody is
enslaved by poverty, ignorance or
conformity
 Freedom of individuals to make their own
choices & free from authoritarian
government
 Representative democracy, pluralism,
partnership, devolution,pro Europe