Unit 5.1 Overview Democratic and Economic Equality

Liberal democratic governments must decide what is best for the people—the common good.

Political leaders must decide how much freedom of choice should be restricted to protect the good of the people. This is not an easy choice. Modern liberal leaders generally support laws that protect people for the good of all. A political leader must decide between enacting laws that restrict and control individual freedom or that allow people to do what they want, even if it harms or disturbs others. As you read this unit, put yourself in the place of a political leader who must make these choices.
 

Modern liberal democracies have had to balance the needs of the common good with individual freedoms. For instance, the use of tobacco in public places has required political leaders in liberal democracies to balance the rights of smokers and non-smokers.

Should government protect the rights of smokers or non-smokers? For many, the answer seems easy. Government should protect the rights of the non-smokers. However, what about the rights of the smokers? Shouldn't a liberal democracy protect their rights, too?

Modern liberals would most likely support banning the use of tobacco in public places because it is important to support the common good. Why should non-smokers be exposed to the harmful effects of second-hand smoke? Why should non-smokers pay extra taxes for the added health care expenses for those who choose to smoke and put their health at risk? Governments must often deal with controversial issues such as this one.


What do you think?

What do you think about smoking in public places? Could you imagine sitting in a restaurant where four people are smoking? Everyone in the restaurant would have to smell the cigarette smoke.

  • Should smokers have the right to smoke anywhere?
  • Should non-smokers have the right to a smoke-free environment?

Municipal, provincial, and federal governments in Canada have been introducing laws all across the country to help reduce the number of smokers. The government believes that tobacco companies should be paying the health care bills of Canadians. Those who choose not to smoke should not have the responsibility of paying the bills for those who do choose to smoke. In January 2008, Alberta banned smoking in all public places, including bars, bingo halls, billiard halls, bowling alleys, and casinos.


According to the Canadian Cancer Society, tobacco is the number on cause of preventable disease, disability, and death in Canada. It is responsible for more than 47,500 deaths per year in Canada.

  • Should Canada become a smoke-free nation?
  • Who should decide this?
  • Whose rights should come first in deciding this issue?

In this unit, you will explore the basic beliefs and values associated with liberal democracy. Liberal democracy is one form of liberalism that allows the people the right to elect other people to represent them in government. As you read about democracy, think about the smoking issue to help you keep focused. It is the role of liberal governments to best represent the needs of the people that elect them. In this unit, you will explore the extent to which the values of liberalism are viable in a contemporary world.

Are the values of liberalism viable?


Unit Five: List of Assignments, Self-Quizzes, Forums, and Exams

Assignments, Forums, and Unit Review Exam will open as you work through the unit sequentially.


5.5 War Measure Act—An excessive reaction?  Forum


5.6 Will of the People Self-Quiz

 
5.7 Political Systems and Liberal Values Assignment


5.10 Liberal Democracy and Economic Equality Self-Quiz


5.11 Political and Economic Liberal Values Assignment


Unit 5 Review Exam