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Key thinkers
Fundamental ideas
Strands of Liberalism
Current news
100

Often referred to as the 'Father of Liberalism' 

John Locke

100
Early Classical Liberalism had revolutionary potential due to opposing this kind of state. 

Monarchical/Monarchy

100

John Rawls helped develop this strand of liberalism. 

Modern liberalism

100

The current Prime Minister of the UK

Andy Burnham

200

Mary Wollstonecraft was among the first liberals to argue for an increased civic and social role for this group of people.  

Women

200

Early Classical Liberals thought that the state should be this size to avoid tyranny and to maximise individual freedom. 

Minimal state
200

This key historical era made it clear to liberals that the ideology would have to evolve to remain relevant and attractive. 

Industrialisation

200

The largest party in the Senedd. 

Plaid Cymru.

300

John Stuart Mill warned about this type of tyranny when prevailing opinion dominated everyone else. 

Tyranny of the majority

300

Liberals argue that individual freedom is the best way for individuals to achieve this very important purpose.

Self-realisation/Self-actualisation

300
All strands of liberalism believe the right to own this is a fundamental natural right. 

Property.

300

In 2026 this country has seen a far-right party win state election seats for the first time since WW2 

Germany

400

Herbert Spencer used this Darwinian biological theory to argue that the state should not intervene in people's lives. 

Natural selection/social darwinism 

400

Most liberals agree that we should approach different or dissenting religions, cultures and opinions with this attitude.

Toleration

400

Early Classical and Modern liberalism disagree on the ideal size of the state/government power. Modern liberals argue for the state to be...

Enlarged. 

400

The name of a tax imposed by a government on imports from another country. 

Tariffs

500

Jeremy Bentham's key theory that says that we should aim to create the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. 

Utilitarianism 

500

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 

500

Modern liberalism has been criticised by those in favour of the classical strands by incorporating ideas from the socialists such as...

Collectivism

500
The full name of NATO

North-Atlantic Treaty Organisation