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)
What did Thomas Jefferson believe about people's rights?
Signup and view all the answers
About how many people were killed by their governments in the 20th Century?
Signup and view all the answers
What were the claims against the individual by Soviet communism and Nazi Germany? (Select all that apply)
Signup and view all the answers
What did Nazi Germany, Communist, and fascist ideologies believe about the obligations of the individual?
Signup and view all the answers
What did virtually every Democrat in the south advocate for most of the 20th Century?
Signup and view all the answers
What are liberals quite content denying?
Signup and view all the answers
What do liberals support restricting during elections?
Signup and view all the answers
What determines how a person selects from the menu of policy options?
Signup and view all the answers
What classical liberal commitment does conservatism accept, and reject? (Select all that apply)
Signup and view all the answers
What does the editorial page of the New York Times not trust?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the editorial page of the New York Times feel comfortable with?
Signup and view all the answers
How are conservatives more willing than liberals to restrict freedom of thought? (Select all that apply)
Signup and view all the answers
Describe Jefferson's Bible.
Signup and view all the answers
Who wrote the 'Age of Reason' and what was it?
Signup and view all the answers
What did the founders think about religion?
Signup and view all the answers
What did the Supreme Court strengthen throughout the 20th Century?
Signup and view all the answers
In what areas is there no constitutional constraint on government power?
Signup and view all the answers
When is freedom of speech a meaningless right?
Signup and view all the answers
When is freedom of press a meaningless right?
Signup and view all the answers
When is freedom of association a meaningless right?
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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
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!