Was the political theory of liberalism (see dictionary definition), the basis behind the founding of the US?

Question

RockHunter your antiintellectualism is in evidence here as in other posts where you show your jingoistic streak. I suggest you read the other answers esp the post by MNL_1221 which is based on historical evidence in contradiction to your biased beliefs about the role of liberalism in the past and present.

RockHunter your antiintellectualism is in evidence here as in other posts where you show your jingoistic streak. I suggest you read the other answers esp the post by MNL_1221 which is based on historical evidence in contradiction to your biased beliefs about the role of liberalism in the past and present.

Answer 1

Basically yes, according to the 2.a. definition of liberalism pasted below.


lib·er·al·ism (lbr--lzm, lbr-) NOUN:
1.The state or quality of being liberal.

2. a. A political theory founded on the natural goodness of humans and the autonomy of the individual and favoring civil and political liberties, government by law with the consent of the governed, and protection from arbitrary authority.
b. often Liberalism The tenets or policies of a Liberal party.
3. An economic theory in favor of laissez-faire, the free market, and the gold standard.
4. Liberalism
a. A 19th-century Protestant movement that favored free intellectual inquiry, stressed the ethical and humanitarian content of Christianity, and de-emphasized dogmatic theology.
b. A 19th-century Roman Catholic movement that favored political democracy and ecclesiastical reform but was theologically orthodox.

Answer 2

For sure the Declaration of Independence is a liberal document. That was ment to excite King George. But the Constitution tightens up a bit and limits those grandiose ideas that were sent off to England.

The Constitution is a brilliant balance of power and liberties. We need to protect it from any one that want to mess with it.

Michael Beschlof (famous presidential historian) seems to think Bush wants to make a change in the Constitution for the sake of his legacy. He went on to say Bush would be happy with any change that works. The legacy is more important than his time of service.

Answer 3

Yes. The basis behind the founding of the US can also be seen as terrorism. Conservatives now use them interchangably. I find that to be hilarious. Although, the country is a repulbic, I don't believe it was based on republicanism. That was just a means to an end...in this case a beginning.

Answer 4

Classic, traditional, current or dictionary definitions of liberalism or conservative can’t be used to compare the countries origins with current affairs. Nor do dictionary definitions of conservative / liberal have much in common with the actions of either. The social, economic or dogmatic aspects have to be separated.

The country was certainly not founded on the socially liberal views of today nor the beliefs held by today’s conservatives. Parts of each philosophy have contributed, labels not withstanding.

Answer 5

The US was founded upon the principles of "classical" liberalism which emphasized limited government and individual responsibility.

Today we have a government that is akin to a malignant cancer that won't stop growing into peoples' responsiblities and usurping them.

Answer 6

No, I believe that the US was founded on the basis of capitalism and republicanism.