Which term describes belief in limiting government power and protecting individual rights within constitutional frameworks?

• A. Conservatism
• B. Liberalism
• C. Nationalism
• D. Socialism

Answer: (B)

Liberalism centers on limiting government power and protecting individual rights within constitutional frameworks. It argues that authority should be bounded by a constitution and the rule of law, safeguarding civil liberties such as free speech, freedom of religion, and due process. This tradition grew from Enlightenment ideas about natural rights and the social contract, emphasizing checks and balances, separation of powers, and protections for minority rights to prevent tyranny by the majority.

Conservatism, while valuing order and gradual change, emphasizes preserving traditional institutions rather than foregrounding a guaranteed set of rights bounded by a constitution. Nationalism focuses on the interests and identity of the nation, not specifically on limiting state power to protect individual liberties within constitutional limits. Socialism advocates broader government control of the economy and social life, which typically involves expanding state power rather than curbing it to protect rights.