I desire a disinterested government. A government not influenced by considerations of personal advantage. A government that is impartial and operates based on the rule of law, not cronyism.
In other words, I would prefer a classical liberal style of governance.
Professor Nigel Ashford outlines the 10 core principles of classical liberalism, paraphrased – as follows. Watch the full 7 minute video below.
1) Liberty as the primary political value
Does it increase or reduce the freedom of the individual? The Government should only act to prevent harm to others.
2) Individualism
The individual is more important than the collective. We should not sacrifice the individual for what some people call the "common good".
3) Skepticism about power
Power is the ability to get some people to do something that otherwise they would not do. The government often claims we are forcing you to do X because it's in your own interest. Very often when people do that it's good for themselves. Classical Liberals believe the individual is the best judge of their own interests.
4) Rule of Law
Certain principles of the law should be applied to what every government does any where in the world. A classic example is equality before the law.
5) Civil Society
Most social problems can be effectively dealt with through these voluntary organizations, like the family, like the church, like charitable organizations. Civil society can do many things we now look to the welfare state to do.
6) Spontaneous Order
Many people believe there must be some body, some organization to manipulate and organise society. Classical Liberals believe order can and does arise spontaneously. Language is a classic example. We don't need other people to plan our lives.
7) Free Markets
Economic exchange should be left to voluntary activity between individuals. You need private property to do that and when there are disputes they need to be peacefully resolved.
8) Toleration
One should not interfere with things of which one disapproves. It's a question of having certain moral principles. "I think this action is wrong but I will not try and force my opinions for example, through government to stop the things that I disapprove of. Free speech is a good example.
9) Peace
Best achieved by not interfering in other countries. Should be based on four freedoms. Free movement of capital and labour, goods and services. The free movement of ideas should be added as well.
10) Limited Government
There are very few things which the government should do. The role of the government is simply to protect our life, liberty and property.
What do you think?
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