Classical liberalism was the dominating political philosophy of the United States of America’s Founding Fathers. The Articles of Confederation, the Federalist, Anti-Federalist papers, the US Constitution, and most of the other foundational documents formed and established the nation as it was in 1776.
John Locke turned the world’s view of the relationship between “the People” and the Government on its head. In 1776 the majority of people believed that their government granted the only rights that they had them. Thomas Jefferson argued that, as Locke inferred, “People have rights apart from the government, as part of their nature.” Classic liberals believe that “People” have the innate right to form and dissolve governments and that the only “legitimate” purpose of the government is to protect those rights.
Limited government, individuality, liberty, and freedom were the keynotes of classic liberalism.
Classical Liberal, Conservative, Social Liberal, those terms were brought to the forefront by John Locke.
The John Locke Foundation does a great job of explaining the complex nature of the original and today's meaning of the terms (nomenclature).
Quoting the John Locke Foundation
Some people ask us: Is the John Locke Foundation a Republican group? No, the John Locke Foundation is nonpartisan.
Others ask: Is the John Locke Foundation conservative? The answer to this question is not as simple.
The John Locke Foundation believes in free markets, limited constitutional government, and personal responsibility. In the modern American political context, those principles are labeled conservative. Historically, and in most other countries today, those have been considered liberal or “classical liberal” principles. Some observers also consider those principles libertarian.
If someone asks whether the John Locke Foundation is conservative, (classically) liberal, or libertarian, the appropriate answer is “yes.”
Read more on the founding principles that motivated the creation of the John Locke Foundation.
| Classical Liberalism | Results |
| Limited Centralized Government | The Governmental power remains close to the people assuring that they are able to manage the government's actions. |
| Limited Government Intrusion into general life. | No Nanny State, Preserving the maximum amount of freedom and self-determination. Personal responsibility is the underpinning of a free society It is the core of classical liberalism (WH)Classical Liberalism embodies individuality, self-reliance, and independence of one's self. The freedom without central oversight fosters innovation, risk-taking, free thought, advancement in everything. |
| No government involvement in the economy | Innovation and increased production spring from the freedoms
Allowed people to create great wealth. |
| The role of government is to protect individuals' natural rights to life, liberty, and property. | The people thrive. They are free to create new things and new opportunities. Also, they are able to able to |
| Supports economic liberalism.
It promotes the freedoms that allow people to take risks, innovate, and create businesses. |
Fosters the advancements in |
| Social (Modern) Liberalism | |
| Full-time government intervention in the economy | Destroys innovation, risk-taking, free thought |
Further reading regarding Classical Liberalism and John Locke.
Check out the article on this site entitled:
John Locke – Intellectual, Philosopher
John Locke first defined the differences between Classical Liberals and Social Liberals.
Hopefully the links to the public domain library - Liberty Fund will remain viable.
The Works of John Locke in Nine Volumes
A nine volume collection of the works of John Locke.
The Works of John Locke in Nine Volumes, (London: Rivington, 1824 12th ed.).
Copyright: The text is in the public domain.
- Author: John Locke
Found in:
Members of this set:
- The Works, vol. 1 An Essay concerning Human Understanding Part 1
- The Works, vol. 2 An Essay concerning Human Understanding Part 2 and Other Writings
- Works of John Locke, vol. 3
- The Works of John Locke, vol. 4 Economic Writings and Two Treatises of Government
- The Works, vol. 5 Four Letters concerning Toleration
- The Works, vol. 6 (The Reasonableness of Christianity)
- The Works, vol. 7 (Essays and Notes on St. Paul’s Epistles)
- The Works, vol. 8 (Some Thoughts Concerning Education, Posthumous Works, Familiar Letters)
- The Works of John Locke, vol. 9 (Letters and Misc. Works)
