For many centuries, each stratum of society pursued exclusively its own interests in politics, and in the end, those people who could adapt to certain conditions to the maximum extent became at the “helm” of government. Liberals played a huge role in the political life of the country. Who are they? First of all, these are people who were ardent supporters of reforms, who always stood up for the expansion of human rights and freedoms.
Those who have never heard of who liberals are will be interested to know that they were first talked about in Europe at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries. It was then that a socio-political trend was born, which was called "liberalism". Subsequently, it was transformed into a powerful ideology. The main value for liberals was the inviolability of economic, political and civil liberties.
The word "liberalism" entered the Russian language at the end of the 18th century. It was translated as "freethinking". During this period of time, the first Russian liberals appeared.
In English, the translation of this word originally had a negativecoloring - "connivance", "harmful indulgence", but later it was lost.
And yet, who are the liberals, and what political views did they adhere to? As already emphasized, human rights and freedoms were the highest value for them. In addition, they advocated private property while advocating free enterprise.
The above public political movement was formed as a means of protection from tyranny and atrocities on the part of representatives of the Catholic Church and the totalitarianism of monarchs. Who are liberals? These are the ones who reject the underlying principles of some statehood theories, namely the fact that monarchs and kings are "God's anointed" kings. They also question that religion is the ultimate truth.
Those who have no idea who the liberals are, it will be interesting to know that these people uphold the principle of equality of all citizens before the law. They are convinced that government officials should regularly report to the people on the work done.
At the same time, representatives of liberalism are sure that officials should in no way restrict human rights and freedoms.
The British liberals had their own point of view on this matter. Their ideologue Jeremiah Bentham argued that human rights and freedoms are nothing but the embodiment of evil. At the same time, he adhered to those principles that did not allow onea person suppressed the will of another.
To oppress individuals is a real crime. Don't do this and you will be of great benefit to society,” Bentham emphasized.
It should be noted that liberalism in its modern form also zealously defends the ideas of pluralism and observance of the principles of democracy in the management of society. At the same time, the rights and freedoms of minorities and certain segments of the population must be strictly observed. At the same time, liberals believe that the state today should pay more attention to social issues.
