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‘a Fear of Democracy Runs Throughout Liberalism.’ Discuss.

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‘A fear of democracy runs throughout liberalism.’ Discuss.

Democracy means rule by the people, implying both popular participation and government in the public interest. Liberals have been ambivalent about the benefits of democracy. Very few liberals reject democracy, on the other hand no liberals accept democracy uncritically.

Liberals do not believe that a balanced and tolerant society will develop naturally out of the free actions of individuals and voluntary associations. They fear the free individual may exploit others. Therefore; liberals believed that such protection can only be provided by a sovereign state, capable of restraining all individuals and groups within society, freedom can therefore only exist ‘under the law’. Hobbes and Locke both recognised the argument for a social contract agreement between individuals through which they form a state in order to escape ‘state of nature’ without this contract life would be ‘nasty, brutish and short’. Hobbes and Locke developed people coming together in a free compact/agreement to set up power over them a real contract constantly confirmed. Locke through a more continuous process people to express their opinion more regularly through elections, referendums and public opinion. All individuals would recognize that it is in their best interests to sacrifice a portion of their liberty in order to set up a system of law; otherwise their rights and indeed their lives would constantly be under threat. The state is created by individuals for individuals. The state is a referee in society, embodies the interests of all its citizens and acts as a natural arbiter when individuals or groups come into conflict with one another.

Democracy defends freedom, by ensuring public accountability and allowing citizens to protect themselves against tyrannical government and unpopular policies. This is an argument that has

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