What is the difference between negative and positive liberty?

Both terms were coined by Isaiah Berlin but proposed by different authors: J S Mill and T H Green respectively.
​Simply put, negative liberty is 'freedom from' constraints and positive liberty is the 'freedom to' achieve your goals and live life as you want.
​The main implication of this definition is that negative liberty implies a small government as there are less laws and constraints passed and positive liberty requires a large state which provides a welfare system and other means for people to be able to achieve their goals.

KC
Answered by Katrina C. Government and Politics tutor

31530 Views

See similar Government and Politics A Level tutors

Related Government and Politics A Level answers

All answers ▸

To what extent does the U.K. suffer from a democratic deficit?


What tensions exist within Liberal Democracy?


Explain the concept of collective responsibility in relation to the UK cabinet


Explain the separation of powers found in the USA


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning