LIBERALISM – Complete Political Theory Notes
Individual Freedom • Rights • Limited Government • Constitutionalism
1️⃣ WHAT IS LIBERALISM?
Liberalism is a political ideology centered on individual liberty, rule of law, constitutional government, and protection of rights.
Core belief: The individual is more important than the state.
- Protection of civil liberties
- Limited government power
- Private property
- Free market economy
- Equality before law
2️⃣ CORE PRINCIPLES
🔹 Individualism
Individual is primary unit of political analysis.
🔹 Liberty
Freedom from arbitrary authority.
🔹 Rule of Law
Law is supreme — not rulers.
🔹 Constitutionalism
Government power must be legally limited.
🔹 Tolerance
Respect for diverse beliefs.
3️⃣ TYPES OF LIBERALISM
🟢 Classical Liberalism
- Minimal state
- Free market
- Negative liberty
- Thinkers: Locke, Adam Smith
🟢 Modern Liberalism
- Welfare state
- Positive liberty
- Social justice
- Thinkers: T.H. Green, John Rawls
4️⃣ LIBERALISM vs SOCIALISM
- Liberalism → Individual priority
- Socialism → Collective priority
- Liberalism → Market economy
- Socialism → Planned economy
- Liberalism → Limited state
- Socialism → Active welfare state
5️⃣ LIBERALISM & INDIAN CONSTITUTION
- Fundamental Rights
- Rule of law
- Judicial review
- Democratic elections
- Freedom of speech
6️⃣ CRITICISMS
- Excessive individualism
- Ignores structural inequality
- Market inequalities
- Weak community bonds
📝 UPSC MAINS QUESTIONS
- Discuss evolution from classical to modern liberalism.
- Is liberalism compatible with social justice?
- Critically examine liberal view of state.
- Does liberalism prioritize liberty over equality?
📌 QUICK REVISION MAP
- Core → Individual liberty
- Enemy → Absolute state
- Method → Constitutional limits
- Indian angle → Fundamental Rights
Liberalism protects the individual from the tyranny of the state.
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