Liberal Democracy Definition

Overview

The purpose of this paper is to define and outline what is Liberal Democracy. In doing so various definitions of Liberal Democracy will be explored to gain a deeper understanding of Liberal Democracy. The words Liberal and Democracy will be assessed individually and together to gain a better understanding of how term was derived. The core features and or characteristics Liberal Democracy such as competitiveness, rule of law, liberty, and equality will be outlined. Additionally, the history of the origin and evolution of the term from the 18th century to the present day will be explored to ascertain the extent to which it has changed.

What is a Liberal Democracy?

In defining what a liberal democracy is, it is important

A liberal democracy also features absolute protection of an individual’s political and civil liberties. Liberal democracies are also seen as high quality democracies where minority’s rights are protected, freedom, equality and civic culture are held in high regard and protected through the power of the people. It is from the idea of liberalism that extensive freedom is provided to persons. Liberties such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the freedom to assemble and peaceful protest, the freedom of movement, the freedom of religious and sexual practice and the freedom of identity and cultural expression. . It is now clear why a liberal democracy is seen as high quality democracy as it proposes that all members of society are equal and have the right to be who they are and still be accepted without prejudice.

Features of a Liberal Democracy

There are many positive features or characteristics of liberal democracy which makes it the most popular political ideology of the modern world. These characteristics are primarily hinged on the human element and its involvement in the governance of a country. These features

However, the possibility of democracy had not been seriously considered in Political Theory. From a historic point, the widely held belief was the democracies would be fundamentally unstable and chaotic in their policies due to the changing notions of the people. Most European countries throughout the nineteenth (19th) and twentieth (20th) centuries were moved by reforms and revolutions. In addition, Liberalism was no longer a far-flung opinion but joined the political mainstream (Boundless.com). After which, the political spectrum changed. Traditional monarchy became more of a fringe view and liberal democracy became more conventional. By the end of the 19th century, Liberal democracy soon became an idea supported by many different ideologies. Following World War I and particularly World War II, liberal democracy achieved an overriding position among theories of government. It is now endorsed by the vast majority of the political spectrum which led to liberal democracy being the dominant form of political ideology