Explain liberal ideas about freedom.

When approaching a question like this in an exam, first think about WHY liberals believe freedom is an important value. On the whole it is because they believe in what John Locke would call the inalienable rights of an individual. From there, break it down into the different major kinds of liberalism - classical, progressive and neo-liberal. From there, think about what each kind thinks freedom is - do they believe in positive or negative freedom. Then, find examples to back up your points.For example, a classical liberal believes in negative freedom or freedom from constraint. As long as there are no barriers to prevent an individual from acting as they see fit - with the caveat that their actions does not impede on the freedom of another - they are free. You could then give an example from political events from either this century or the last. Maybe discuss Lloyd George's pre-war governments reforms. Progressive liberals by contrast believe in freedom of opportunity. Here, give examples of things like a National Minimum Wage are relevant. Neo-liberals believe in freedom of constraint, especially in the sphere of the market. Talk about Thatcher's deregulation of the banking sector.After this, dedicate a paragraph to pointing out any flaws you may find in each argument or flaws in professed liberals policies when it comes to freedom e.g. Thatcher actually increased government spending despite ideologically believing in a small state that does not interfere with people's economic and personal freedom.