Key thinkers
Often referred to as the 'Father of Liberalism'
John Locke
Monarchical/Monarchy
John Rawls helped develop this strand of liberalism.
Modern liberalism
The current Prime Minister of the UK
Andy Burnham
Mary Wollstonecraft was among the first liberals to argue for an increased civic and social role for this group of people.
Women
Early Classical Liberals thought that the state should be this size to avoid tyranny and to maximise individual freedom.
This key historical era made it clear to liberals that the ideology would have to evolve to remain relevant and attractive.
Industrialisation
The largest party in the Senedd.
Plaid Cymru.
John Stuart Mill warned about this type of tyranny when prevailing opinion dominated everyone else.
Tyranny of the majority
Liberals argue that individual freedom is the best way for individuals to achieve this very important purpose.
Self-realisation/Self-actualisation
Property.
In 2026 this country has seen a far-right party win state election seats for the first time since WW2
Germany
Herbert Spencer used this Darwinian biological theory to argue that the state should not intervene in people's lives.
Natural selection/social darwinism
Most liberals agree that we should approach different or dissenting religions, cultures and opinions with this attitude.
Toleration
Early Classical and Modern liberalism disagree on the ideal size of the state/government power. Modern liberals argue for the state to be...
Enlarged.
The name of a tax imposed by a government on imports from another country.
Tariffs
Jeremy Bentham's key theory that says that we should aim to create the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.
Utilitarianism
The name of Mill's theory that sets out the only time in which a state, majority or individual can violate another individual's personal freedom and liberty.
Harm Principle
Modern liberalism has been criticised by those in favour of the classical strands by incorporating ideas from the socialists such as...
Collectivism
North-Atlantic Treaty Organisation