Liberal Democracy

LIBERAL DEMOCRACY. This is the fourth in a series of texts on government and politics designed for students and the general reader (see author's other publications or a full list of titles). All the books interlink and cross-reference but are designed to stand alone. This fourth text continues the series with a detailed exploration of liberal democracy. A democracy of course is 'government of the people, by the people, for the people'. In a democracy 'the people' are sovereign. Majorities rule and (it is assumed) they rule OK. What then does the 'liberal' bit in a liberal democracy signify? This book explores this central question. The text opens with a clear statement of Aims and Learning Outcomes to give clarity and direction to your reading. The subsequent text is then divided into easy-to-read sections on:
Liberalism and democracy
The roots of liberty
The forms of liberty
The separation of Church and State
Freedom of speech and expression
Liberty and ‘rights’ – natural and human
The forms of liberty
Equal opportunities
The text concludes with:
Liberal democracy: a summary
Review questions
References
The material is carefully designed to equip the reader with a basic political vocabulary, an appreciation of the significance of politics as an important, pervasive and irreplaceable activity involving us all and a comprehensive understanding of the principles and values of liberal democracy.