Liberalism: A political theory founded on the natural goodness of humans and the autonomy of the individual and favoring civil and political liberties, government by law with the consent of the governed, and protection from arbitrary authority. [Also a] 19th-century Protestant movement that favored free intellectual inquiry, stressed the ethical and humanitarian content of Christianity, and de-emphasized dogmatic theologySo what do we mean by "government by law with the consent of the govered"?
Obviously, the first step is a belief that government should be by law (enacted legislation). Second, that the system for creating those laws not be high-jacked from the citizens being governed. You know, by things like gerrymandering, voter fraud, etc.
"Voters don't decide issues, they decide who will decide issues. " ~ George F. Will
I'm too tired to really explore this idea right now, but I wanted to make my "Deep Thoughts Wednesday" deadline. So if you have ideas on this, please post them.
Moved from HaloScan:
ReplyDeleteTying in with your previous thoughts:
Natural Goodness: A system predicated on the will of an informed populace is not going to automatically go down in flames.
Autonomy Of the Individual: If someone is in the power of a government (which would be a group of people) that they have no recourse against, then they are not free.
Civil and Political Liberties: Giving an individual responsibility means you must give them a measure of authority as well, and that must extend into government.
Seems verra workable.
StealthBadger | Homepage | 01.18.06 - 10:56 pm | #