6.1.3 State

Classical Liberalism

Modern Liberalism

The State: A Necessary Evil

Necessary to Avoid Disorder

• Liberals agree that the state is necessary to maintain order, protect individual rights, and prevent the chaos that could arise in its absence. Without a state, there would be no authority to enforce laws, protect property, or safeguard individual freedoms.
• The state is seen as the guarantor of the social contract, ensuring that individuals' rights are respected and that justice is upheld.

Evil Due to the Potential to Remove Individual Liberty

• Despite its necessity, liberals are wary of the state's potential to become too powerful and infringe upon individual liberties. They believe that the state, if unchecked, could become authoritarian, imposing its will on individuals and restricting their freedoms.
• This belief leads to the liberal principle that the state should be limited and accountable, preventing it from overstepping its bounds and encroaching on individual rights.

Social Contract

Protection of Individual Rights

• The social contract, in liberal thought, justifies the existence of the state primarily as a means to protect individual rights. Liberal democracy embodies this by creating a political system where the state is responsible for upholding civil liberties, such as freedom of speech, property rights, and personal security.
• In return for the protection of their rights, individuals agree to abide by the laws and decisions made by the government, as long as it continues to fulfill its role under the social contract.

Limited Government

• Since the government's authority is based on the consent of the governed, its powers should be limited to what is necessary to protect individual rights and maintain order. This is a key feature of liberal democracy, where the government's role is c****onstitutionally defined and constrained.
• The social contract, preserving individual freedoms and preventing authoritarian rule.

Accountability and the Right to Rebellion

• If the government fails to protect the rights of the people or oversteps its legitimate powers, the social contract is broken. This gives the people the right to withdraw their consent, leading to the justification of rebellion or reform.
• This principle is reflected in the ability of citizens to vote out a government that fails to uphold its duties, ensuring that the government remains accountable and that the social contract is maintained.

Mechanistic Theory

Human-Centered Design

The mechanistic theory suggests that just like a machine, the state is built and maintained according to human needs and rational principles. It is an instrument or tool that exists to serve the people, not to dominate them. This contrasts with the organic theory of the state, which views the state as a natural entity that evolves over time and has its own inherent purposes.

Classical Liberal Views on the State

Minimal State ('Night-Watchman' State)

• Role of the State: Classical liberals advocate for a minimal state, whose primary functions are to protect individuals from harm (through law and order), defend against external threats, and enforce contracts. The state should be as far away as possible in order to ensure liberties are protected.
• Negative Freedom: Classical liberals emphasize negative freedom, which is the absence of interference from others or the state. They believe that individuals should be free to pursue their own interests with minimal state intervention.
• Economic View: Classical liberals support a laissez-faire economy, where the state's role in economic matters is minimal. They argue that free markets naturally regulate themselves through the forces of supply and demand, leading to prosperity and innovation.
• Rationale: The belief in human rationality and self-interest underpins the classical liberal view that individuals are best suited to make decisions about their own lives, and therefore, the state should not interfere unnecessarily.

Modern Liberal Views on the State

Enabling State

• Role of the State: Modern liberals argue that the state should play a more active role in ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to achieve their potential. This includes providing public services such as education, healthcare, and welfare to support those who might be disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.
• Positive Freedom: Modern liberals focus on positive freedom, which is the ability to achieve one's full potential. They believe that freedom is not just the absence of interference, but also the presence of conditions that allow individuals to act on their choices.
• Economic View: Modern liberals advocate for a mixed economy, where the state intervenes to correct market failures, reduce inequality, and ensure that everyone has access to basic needs. They support regulation and social policies that create a fairer distribution of resources and opportunities.
• Rationale: Modern liberals recognize that social and economic inequalities can restrict individual freedom. They believe that a certain level of state intervention is necessary to create a society where all individuals have a fair chance to succeed.

Comparing Classical and Modern Liberal Views on the State

• Freedom:
  • Classical Liberals: Emphasize negative freedom, advocating for a state that simply protects individuals from harm and otherwise leaves them to pursue their own interests.
  • Modern Liberals: Emphasize positive freedom, supporting a state that actively works to create the conditions necessary for all individuals to achieve their potential.
• Role of the State:
  • Classical Liberals: Argue for a minimal state that only intervenes to protect individual rights and maintain order.
  • Modern Liberals: Advocate for an enabling state that provides public services and regulates the economy to ensure fairness and opportunity for all.
• Economic Policy:
  • Classical Liberals: Support a laissez-faire economy with minimal state intervention.
  • Modern Liberals: Support a mixed economy where the state intervenes to correct inequalities and ensure access to basic needs.

Conclusion

• While both classical and modern liberals agree on the necessity of the state to prevent disorder and protect individual rights, they differ significantly in their views on the extent and nature of state intervention. Classical liberals prioritize negative freedom and minimal state involvement, while modern liberals focus on positive freedom and the need for a more active state to ensure that all individuals can achieve their full potential. These differences reflect broader debates within liberalism about the balance between individual liberty and social justice.