Liberal Democracy

Essential Question: What is Liberal Democracy?

L01: Define Liberal Democracy

L02: Describe the characteristics of liberal democracies around the world today

L03: Detail the origins of liberal democracy in history

Liberal Democracy is a political ideology and a form of government in which representative democracy operates under the principles of classical liberalism.

The characteristics of liberal democracies around the world today are fair, free and competitive elections between multiple distinct political parties. Power is separated into different branches of the government. Protection of human rights, civil rights, civil liberties and political freedom for everyone.

The origin of liberal democracy in history was that it started in Europe when mostly everyone was ruled by monarchs that were said to be ordained by God. People argued that everyone is equal and that God would not make others more important than another. The government is there to serve the citizens and the laws should apply to everyone. Many people began to express their disapproval so many documents/agreements were passed for political equality.Many social changes were made as a result of this. Word spread about this throughout Europe. These ideas influenced the American and French Revolution.