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

32165 Views

See similar Government and Politics A Level tutors

Related Government and Politics A Level answers

All answers ▸

'First Past the Post is no longer a suitable voting system for UK General Elections', Discuss


Explain three criticisms that have been made of Referendums


How can I get the best possible mark in the exam?


Explain Classical Liberal attitudes to the state


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning