Study for the UK A-Levels Politics Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question is accompanied by detailed explanations. Prepare effectively and boost your confidence for the exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


Modern liberalism arose as a response to which of the following?

  1. The success of free-market capitalism

  2. Increased government regulation of personal freedoms

  3. The failure of socialism in the UK

  4. A desire for more individualistic community values

The correct answer is: The success of free-market capitalism

Modern liberalism arose as a response to the success of free-market capitalism. This development came about as industrialization and economic expansion highlighted the need for individual freedoms and rights within a capitalist framework. As societies transitioned from feudalism to more market-oriented economies, modern liberals emphasized the importance of personal liberty, economic opportunity, and the protection of individual rights against potential overreach by the state. The emphasis on free-market capitalism underpins key modern liberal ideals, such as the belief in a limited role for government in economic affairs and the promotion of competition, which can enhance individual autonomy and prosperity. This alignment with the principles of a market economy is fundamental to modern liberal thought, making it a driving force behind the emergence of this ideology.