To what extent is Liberalism compatiable with democracy?

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                 To what extent is Liberalism compatible with democracy?Democracy played an important role in civilisation at the end of the 19th and early 20th century in terms of the liberation of the masses. In the modern world, Liberalism is seen to be merged with democracy but some disagree with this view. It can be argued that democracy is incompatible with liberalism which has been stated by philosophers such as Rousseau and Mill.It can be argued that Liberalism and Democracy can work together thorough democracy ensuring legitimacy and consent. An example of this is the social contract, a main Liberal belief that individuals hypothetically agree to hand over their natural rights in order to preserve themselves and remain free from the chaos of the state of nature. John Locke stated “whenever law ends tyranny begins”. Through natural rights being sacrificed it provides the state power to maintain law and order and to protect the individual’s rights. The social contract also leads to constitutionalism which preserves the freedom of the majority and guarantees stability, through the mass ruling and therefore less chance of a rebellion. This shows that democracy is compatible with liberalism through the
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element of consent and legitimacy.Another argument that can be made is that it is the best way of reconciling interest groups. Interest groups can be mediated in a way that promotes social harmony through avoiding conflict. Liberals support pluralism which is needed in society for different views and opinions to be expressed for example socialism, liberalism and conservatism. It allows the individual the freedom of choice, to pursue their interests resulting in less conflict through the acceptance of pluralism. Democracy ensures pluralism can flourish and Voltaire once stated “I may despise what you say, but I defend to the death ...

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