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Classical Liberalism: Life, Liberty And The Pursuit Of Freedom

500 Words2 Pages

Essay 1- Declaration of Independence

Classical Liberalism is a political ideology that embraces the notion of rights to life, liberties, and property. Individuals are capable and able to make their own decisions, which will allow them to govern themselves. It also advocates for free markets that are not government controlled.

Classical Liberalism developed in the 19th century in Europe. It arose during a time were there were rigid social and religious structures that stymied individual social and intellectual advancement (Braunwarth, pg. 6). Political theorist Thomas Hobbes and John Locket helped popularize this ideology by looking at the relationship of the individual to society (Braunwarth, pg.6). This politically ideology became favored during a time were people had been denied liberties and rights. During this time period denial of rights was due to birth right or religious training (Braunwarth, pg.7). However, Classical Liberals believed that all …show more content…

The ideology of natural rights stems from Classical Liberalism. According to the Declaration of Independence, all men are created equal and that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness (Braunwarth, pg.53). Natural rights uphold equality and liberty and gives individuals the ability to control their own destiny. This embodies the foundation of the Classical Liberalism and the idea of individual freedom in the political and economic realms (Braunwarth, pg.7). The social contract is a contract between the government and governed. The government agrees to protect the natural rights of citizens but, beyond that, infringe on those rights as little as possible (Braunwarth, pg.57). People agree to the government power and authority because without it their “natural rights” cannot be protected. In return the government will act in the best interest of the people and protect their basic

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One of the biggest influences that John Locke had on President Jefferson was, what John Locke dubbed, “Natural Rights,” and what Jefferson called, “Unalienable Rights.” Meaning practically the same thing, these rights were very similar, and it is obvious that Jefferson’s version derives from Locke’s ‘Natural Rights.’ John Locke’s version stated that all peoples shall possess the following rights: Life, Liberty, and Property. In this case, life means, that people people will fight to live and want to survive. Liberty refers to being free, and being able to make one’s own decision.

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One of the most famous lines in all of America’s documents sums up John Locke’s theory of natural laws. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” [5] This statement means that God gives us rights, such as life, liberty, and happiness. These rights cannot be taken away and are equally given by God to all men. It is easy for one to notice that this idea proposed in the Declaration is almost identical to Locke’s proposed natural rights philosophy from Second Treatise of Government.

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