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Part Six Government and public policy

Abstract

Although some critics claim that only a limited or minimal government is legitimate, the scope of legitimate action in a democracy is determined by legitimate processes, and that scope can be wide. Liberal democracy is committed to protection and development of the rights of individuals. Once a government accepts that responsibility, it commits itself to expanding its role in the field of social protection; every democratic government has moved to develop a welfare state. Individualist principles commit governments to an extensive role in protecting individual rights, ensuring basic security and empowerment. Wherever there are shared objectives, universal standards, common interests or protection of excluded individuals, there will be a commitment to welfare.

Abstract

Although some critics claim that only a limited or minimal government is legitimate, the scope of legitimate action in a democracy is determined by legitimate processes, and that scope can be wide. Liberal democracy is committed to protection and development of the rights of individuals. Once a government accepts that responsibility, it commits itself to expanding its role in the field of social protection; every democratic government has moved to develop a welfare state. Individualist principles commit governments to an extensive role in protecting individual rights, ensuring basic security and empowerment. Wherever there are shared objectives, universal standards, common interests or protection of excluded individuals, there will be a commitment to welfare.

Chapters in this book

  1. Front Matter i
  2. Contents iii
  3. List of tables and figures v
  4. About the author vii
  5. Six impossible things before breakfast 1
  6. Individualism 5
  7. The moral dimensions of individualism 23
  8. Methodological individualism and rational self-interest 57
  9. Substantive policy 99
  10. Individuals and collective action 139
  11. Government and public policy 171
  12. Index 201
  13. Index of names 204
Reclaiming Individualism
This chapter is in the book Reclaiming Individualism
https://doi.org/10.56687/9781447309093-009

Chapters in this book

  1. Front Matter i
  2. Contents iii
  3. List of tables and figures v
  4. About the author vii
  5. Six impossible things before breakfast 1
  6. Individualism 5
  7. The moral dimensions of individualism 23
  8. Methodological individualism and rational self-interest 57
  9. Substantive policy 99
  10. Individuals and collective action 139
  11. Government and public policy 171
  12. Index 201
  13. Index of names 204
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