History 165 Prof. Furner
Ideology / Characteristic beliefs of those who hold it /Republicanism / A good society in one in which people have liberty, defined as the right of citizens to self-government in a community of political equals.
The chief object of government is preservation of the conditions that protect liberty
Liberty means propertied independence: only those who own productive property can be truly independent
Liberty is fragile, constantly threatened by power, which is usually based on wealth
Preservation of republican independence, the basis of liberty, depends on two things:
a) civic virtue (i. e., the citizens--originally white, male, propertied-- of the republic must be virtuous)
b) correct political forms (i. e., a constitution that promotes virtue and protects liberty)
Virtue is defined as the willingness to put the public good ahead of private gain. Virtuous citizens will be industrious and civic-minded; they will shun luxury
The best form of government is a mixed and balanced government, in the American context, divided government with checks and balances to prevent concentration of power
The good society will be achieved and maintained through politics. Citizens must be active and vigilant.
Commerce is problematic:
a) a strong, growing economy provides the material basis for liberty and helps to keep people industrious
b) but commerce can lead to concentration of wealth, unrepublican luxury, inequality, and loss of civic virtue
Liberalism / A good society in one in which people have liberty, defined as individual autonomy, freedom from restraint, and the opportunity for individual fulfillment
The object of government is protection of individual rights, among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
Liberty means freedom from restraint, the right to do anything that does not interfere with the right of someone else to be equally free
Preservation of individual liberty requires the following:
a) limited government: The state does only law enforcement, defense, and basic infrastructure.
b) economic freedom: All have the right to compete in the marketplace without interference.
Little government is needed. The market is a “natural system,” rooted in natural human tendencies, including the propensity to “truck and barter,” which make it possible to have order without an orderer.
Competition is beneficent (good). It will regulate in the general interest
Because of the principle of unintended consequences, the public good and self interest are not in conflict.
Each of us, while pursuing our own self interest, inadvertently, without intending to, benefit the whole