Classical vs Modern Liberalism Quiz

Questions and Answers

Who used classical liberalism in the American context?

The Founding Fathers

What does classical liberalism permeate?

Permeates the Constitution, Federalist Papers, and many other documents produced by the people who created the American system of government

What did people believe about their rights in 1776? (Select all that apply)

Rights are inherent and unalienable

People had only rights given by government (correct)

Rights are granted by the monarchy

Rights come from government (correct)

What did Thomas Jefferson believe about people's rights?

People have rights apart from government, as part of their nature Signup and view all the answers

About how many people were killed by their governments in the 20th Century?

Nearly 265 million Signup and view all the answers

What were the claims against the individual by Soviet communism and Nazi Germany? (Select all that apply)

Needs of the race were a claim Signup and view all the answers

What did Nazi Germany, Communist, and fascist ideologies believe about the obligations of the individual?

Individuals have an obligation to live for the state Signup and view all the answers

What did virtually every Democrat in the south advocate for most of the 20th Century?

Every Democratic politician in the South was an advocate of segregation and Jim Crow laws Signup and view all the answers

What are liberals quite content denying?

Have the government deny terminal cancer patients access to experimental drugs Signup and view all the answers

What do liberals support restricting during elections?

Most liberals support restricting the role of financial capital but want no restrictions on real capital Signup and view all the answers

What determines how a person selects from the menu of policy options?

Determined by where he went to school, where he lives, and with whom he socializes Signup and view all the answers

What classical liberal commitment does conservatism accept, and reject? (Select all that apply)

Accepts civil liberties Signup and view all the answers

What does the editorial page of the New York Times not trust?

Does not trust government to read our mail or listen to our phone calls Signup and view all the answers

What does the editorial page of the New York Times feel comfortable with?

Comfortable with having government control their retirement income Signup and view all the answers

How are conservatives more willing than liberals to restrict freedom of thought? (Select all that apply)

Allow free market for flag sales Signup and view all the answers

Describe Jefferson's Bible.

Removed all mystical (spiritual) references from the original Bible Signup and view all the answers

Who wrote the 'Age of Reason' and what was it?

Tom Paine wrote 'Age of Reason', which was a wholesale attack on Christianity Signup and view all the answers

What did the founders think about religion?

Did not intend to remove religion from the public square Signup and view all the answers

What did the Supreme Court strengthen throughout the 20th Century?

Strengthened substantive 1st Amendment rights & procedural rights related to most noneconomic liberties Signup and view all the answers

In what areas is there no constitutional constraint on government power?

No constitutional constraint on government's power to prevent you from entering virtually any profession or to regulate what you produce, how you produce it, or the terms under which you sell your output to others Signup and view all the answers

When is freedom of speech a meaningless right?

Meaningless rights without the economic right to acquire space, buy a megaphone, and invite others to hear your message Signup and view all the answers

When is freedom of press a meaningless right?

Meaningless right if one does not have economic right to buy paper, ink, and printing presses Signup and view all the answers

When is freedom of association a meaningless right?

Meaningless right if one cannot own property or gather resources to participate Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classical Liberalism in the American Context

The Founding Fathers implemented classical liberalism in America.
Classical liberalism significantly influences the Constitution and Federalist Papers.

Rights Perspectives in 1776

In 1776, most individuals viewed rights as privileges granted by government.
There was a belief that rights were limited to what the government chose to bestow.

Thomas Jefferson's View on Rights

Thomas Jefferson, echoing John Locke, argued that people's rights exist inherently, independent of government.

Government Atrocities in the 20th Century

Approximately 265 million people were killed by governments throughout the 20th century.

Individual Obligations in Totalitarian Regimes

Soviet communism claimed the needs of the proletariat over personal rights.
Nazi Germany prioritized the needs of the race as claims against individuals.

Ideologies of Nazi, Communist, and Fascist Regimes

These ideologies enforced the view that individuals must serve the state above personal interests.

Southern Democrats and Segregation

Throughout much of the 20th century, Southern Democrats predominantly supported segregation and Jim Crow laws.

Liberal Stances on Drug Access

Liberals often approve government restrictions preventing terminal cancer patients from accessing experimental treatments.

Financial Capital in Elections

Most liberals advocate limiting financial capital's influence in elections while opposing restrictions on real capital.

Policy Selection Influences

A person's policy choices are influenced by their education, geographic location, and social circles.

Conservatism and Classical Liberal Commitment

Conservatism accepts economic liberty but often rejects applications of this principle in non-economic contexts.
Liberals embrace civil liberties yet are critical of economic rights.

New York Times Editorial Position

The editorial page is wary of government surveillance but comfortable with heavy government control over retirement funding, such as Social Security.

Freedom of Thought and Government Control

Conservatives may restrict freedom of thought more than liberals by imposing regulations on commercial activities related to personal expression, like flag production.

Jefferson's Bible and Age of Reason

Jefferson's Bible excluded mystical aspects of the original texts.
Thomas Paine authored "Age of Reason," which critiqued Christianity openly.

Founders’ Perspective on Religion

Founders did not aim to exclude religion from public life, advocating for a pluralistic and tolerant federal government concerning religious practices.

Supreme Court Developments

The Supreme Court fortified First Amendment rights and procedural rights for many non-economic liberties during the 20th century.

Constitutional Constraints on Government Power

The government has no constitutional limitations on regulating professional entries or the production and sale terms of goods.

Meaningless Rights Without Economic Capacity

Freedom of speech lacks significance without economic means to distribute ideas or acquire speaking platforms.
Freedom of the press is ineffective without economic access to materials like paper and printing presses.
Freedom of association becomes trivial when individuals lack the means to form or join groups.

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Description

Test your knowledge on classical liberalism, modern liberalism, and modern conservatism through these flashcards. This quiz explores key concepts and ideas that shaped American political thought and foundational documents. Challenge yourself to understand the philosophical underpinnings of these ideologies!