Liberalism

High school (ages 12+)
People & Society

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/liberalism

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the historical genesis?Emerged as a distinct political movement during the Age of Enlightenment
2. What is the key historical events?Inspired revolutions such as the American and French Revolutions
3. Why did people want to change kings and monarchies?Liberal thinkers said that kings didn't have to rule just because they were born in a royal family. They believed that people should choose their leaders and that everyone should be equal before the law.
4. How did liberalism help start new countries like the United States?Liberal ideas helped people in America say that they wanted their own government instead of a king. This led to the American Revolution and the creation of a country where people vote for leaders.

Negative Liberties: Freedoms from external constraints or interference by others or the state.
Positive Liberties: Freedoms to act or achieve one's potential, often requiring societal support.
Social Contract Theory: The idea that individuals implicitly agree to surrender some freedoms for protection and order from a government.
Secularism: The principle of separating religious institutions from state institutions.