What is the origin of the word "liberalism"?
The Latin word Liberalis, meaning "freeman".
Explain the meaning of a classless society in communism.
A society where there are no economic or social divisions and all individuals have equal access to resources.
In a labor union strike, workers demand profit-sharing and ownership stakes. Which ideology does this align with and why?
Communism, as it advocates for common ownership of production.
Case Study:
Kerala, India has successfully implemented universal healthcare and education while maintaining democratic governance and civil liberties.
Question:
Which ideology does this model best represent?
Modern liberalism promotes both individual freedoms and state-led welfare policies. Kerala reflects this balance by ensuring both democratic rights and socio-economic support.
Which two ideologies emphasize equality, but differ in their means of achieving it?
Liberalism and Communism.
What is meant by 'alienation' in Marxist theory?
A feeling of disconnection from labor, others, and self, caused by capitalist exploitation.
A startup allows employees to co-own the company and vote on major decisions. What aspect of Marxist thought is reflected here?
Elements of a classless and participatory (stateless) system.
In the United States, citizens enjoy freedom of speech and the right to vote. However, many face homelessness, unaffordable healthcare, and unequal education due to economic disparity.
Question:
Which ideology would critique this system for offering political freedom without economic justice?
communism
What philosophical concept combines scientific materialism and Hegelian dialectics?
Dialectical Materialism.
In liberalism, why must government be constitutional?
To limit the power of the state and ensure it governs according to laws protecting individual freedom.
A democratic state enforces universal basic income, nationalizes major industries, but still maintains electoral democracy. Is this liberal, communist, or a hybrid? Justify.
A hybrid; it combines liberal democratic structures with socialist economic policies.
Scenario:
During a strike, workers demand the right to co-own factories and manage decision-making processes, challenging the owners’ profit-first mindset.
Question:
Which Communist feature does this reflect?
Class Struggle
Communism views history as driven by conflict between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat over control of production and power.
Which economic crisis, according to Marx, would awaken class consciousness among the proletariat?
The recurring crises of capitalism such as recessions and depressions.
How does communism view private property?
As a source of inequality and exploitation; it should be replaced with common ownership.
How do classical and modern liberalism differ in their view of the state's role?
Classical liberalism prefers minimal interference; modern liberalism supports active welfare measures.
Scenario:
A rural commune is formed where there are no private property rights, no formal government, and all decisions are made collectively. Resources are shared equally.
Question:
Which two features of Communism are realized here?
Stateless and Classless Society?
Marx envisioned a society with no central government or social classes, where all members participate equally in decision-making and resource sharing.
What is the political transition period between capitalism and communism called according to Marx?
The dictatorship of the proletariat.
How do liberal and communist ideologies differ in their vision of the future state?
Liberalism envisions a constitutional state with individual rights; communism envisions a stateless, classless society.
Ravi works in a car factory doing repetitive tasks and feels disconnected from his work and coworkers. According to Marx, what concept explains this feeling? Define it
Alienation. A feeling of disconnection from labor, others, and self, caused by capitalist exploitation.
Scenario:
In Country A, citizens have the right to speak freely, practice their religion, and express their views online—even against the government. These rights are protected by law.
Question:
Which feature of Liberalism does this best demonstrate?
Support for Human Rights and Freedom?
Liberalism defends freedom of speech, religion, and expression as fundamental individual rights.