Function of the Function of the state liberal theorystate liberal theoryThere are two schools of thoughts There are two schools of thoughts

among the liberalists about the among the liberalists about the functions of the state-:functions of the state-:

1.1. Negative liberalismNegative liberalism

2.2. Positive liberalism or New-Positive liberalism or New-liberalismliberalism

Negative liberalismNegative liberalism

The supporters of this theory are Adam The supporters of this theory are Adam Smith,, Bemtham, Herbert Spencer. The Smith,, Bemtham, Herbert Spencer. The advocates of this theory view the state advocates of this theory view the state as necessary evil. The state is essential as necessary evil. The state is essential because there are some functions which because there are some functions which the individual can not do and their the individual can not do and their execution the state has to step in. But execution the state has to step in. But the function which the individual is able the function which the individual is able to execute, the state should not interfere to execute, the state should not interfere in such functions.in such functions.

Factors responsible for the Factors responsible for the growth of Negative growth of Negative

liberalism liberalism Abolition of kingAbolition of king Popularity of the theory of natural rightsPopularity of the theory of natural rights Influence of contractualistsInfluence of contractualists Influence of Drawin’s theory of evolutionInfluence of Drawin’s theory of evolution Influence of Adam SmithInfluence of Adam Smith Industrialist revolutionIndustrialist revolution American and French revolutionAmerican and French revolution

Functions of the state Functions of the state according to Negative according to Negative

LiberalismLiberalism Protection against external invasionsProtection against external invasions To maintain law and orderTo maintain law and order Protection of life and libertyProtection of life and liberty To maintain diplomatic relations To maintain diplomatic relations

with other stateswith other states Judicial administrationJudicial administration To levy and collect taxesTo levy and collect taxes

Criticism of Negative Criticism of Negative LiberalismLiberalism

State is not an evilState is not an evil Wrong meaning of libertyWrong meaning of liberty State is not the symbol of man’s imperfectionState is not the symbol of man’s imperfection The principle of open competition is dangerousThe principle of open competition is dangerous Survival of the fittest is a wrong principleSurvival of the fittest is a wrong principle Man is not only hedonistMan is not only hedonist Functions of the state can not be limitedFunctions of the state can not be limited The theory of liberalists can not protect the The theory of liberalists can not protect the

interest of the poor interest of the poor individual and society can not be separatedindividual and society can not be separated Obstacle in the development of stateObstacle in the development of state

Positive liberalismPositive liberalism

J.S.Mill, Harold Laski, Maclver, Barker J.S.Mill, Harold Laski, Maclver, Barker are the prominent supporters of positive are the prominent supporters of positive liberalism. The supporters of positive liberalism. The supporters of positive liberalism are in favour of assigning the liberalism are in favour of assigning the state with numerous welfare functions. state with numerous welfare functions. They are of the view that every type of They are of the view that every type of social, economic, moral, and cultural social, economic, moral, and cultural work should be done by the state. State work should be done by the state. State is not a necessary evil but it is a mean of is not a necessary evil but it is a mean of social economic transformation.social economic transformation.

Functions of the state Functions of the state according to Positive according to Positive

LiberalismLiberalism Protection of life and propertyProtection of life and property Protection from external invasionProtection from external invasion Maintenance of law and orderMaintenance of law and order To maintain diplomatic relations To maintain diplomatic relations

with other countrieswith other countries Judicial administrationJudicial administration spread of educationspread of education Social economic securitySocial economic security

Eradication of povertyEradication of poverty Improvement of healthImprovement of health Moral and social reformsMoral and social reforms To provide recreational facilitiesTo provide recreational facilities To provide public utility servicesTo provide public utility services Development of agricultureDevelopment of agriculture To make regulations regarding trade and To make regulations regarding trade and

industriesindustries Development of natural resourcesDevelopment of natural resources To make regulations regarding export and To make regulations regarding export and

importimport To make regulations about labourTo make regulations about labour Imposition and collection of taxesImposition and collection of taxes

Difference between Difference between negative and positive negative and positive

liberalismliberalism Difference about the nature of stateDifference about the nature of state Difference about the functions of the Difference about the functions of the

statestate Difference about the purposeDifference about the purpose Difference about the concept of Difference about the concept of

libertyliberty Difference about the role of state in Difference about the role of state in

economic fieldeconomic field

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ByBy Dr. AMANDIP KAURDr. AMANDIP KAUR DEPTT. OF POLITICAL SCIENCE,DEPTT. OF POLITICAL SCIENCE, PGGCG, SEC. 11, CHANDIGARHPGGCG, SEC. 11, CHANDIGARH