Liberal democracy is a political system rooted in Enlightenment ideals, emphasizing individual rights, democratic governance, and legal equality. It evolved from historical movements opposing absolute monarchy, with milestones like the Glorious Revolution and the French Revolution. Key features include free elections, civil liberties, human rights, and the rule of law. Despite various forms, such as the UK's parliamentary system and the US's presidential system, all uphold these core principles. While beneficial in promoting inclusiveness and stability, liberal democracy faces critiques regarding political influence and representation.
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The principles of democratic governance, individual liberties, and legal equality are rooted in the Enlightenment ideals of thinkers like John Locke and Montesquieu
Glorious Revolution of 1688
The Glorious Revolution of 1688 in England challenged absolute monarchy and paved the way for the spread of liberal democratic ideals
American Revolution of 1776
The American Revolution of 1776 was a significant precursor to the French Revolution and emphasized the fight for liberty, equality, and fraternity
French Revolution of 1789
The French Revolution of 1789 became a symbol of the fight for liberty, equality, and fraternity and played a crucial role in spreading liberal democratic ideals
Liberal democracy is characterized by free and fair elections, civil liberties, human rights protection, and adherence to the rule of law
The United Kingdom operates under a parliamentary system with a constitutional monarchy and an unwritten constitution
The United States has a presidential system defined by a written constitution that explicitly enumerates the powers of the federal government and protects individual rights
Despite their differences, both the UK and the USA uphold the principles of liberal democracy through checks and balances and the protection of individual freedoms
Liberal democracy promotes political inclusiveness, protects minority rights, fosters stability, and ensures a balanced distribution of power
Totalitarian Movements
Totalitarian movements, such as National Socialism, reject the values of liberal democracy and advocate for a homogenous and authoritarian state
Contemporary Critiques
Contemporary critiques of liberal democracy focus on issues such as the influence of money in politics, political polarization, and the challenge of ensuring true representation and equality
00
The concept of government by ______ and the separation of powers were championed by Enlightenment thinkers like ______ and ______.
consent
John Locke
Montesquieu
01
Significance of the Glorious Revolution 1688
Established parliamentary supremacy over monarchy, influencing constitutional monarchy and liberal democracy.
02
Impact of the American Revolution 1776
Promoted principles of popular sovereignty, individual rights, and inspired democratic constitutions globally.
