1. Function of the state liberal theory
There are two schools of thoughts among the liberalists about the functions of the state-:
Negative liberalism
Positive liberalism or New-liberalism

2. Negative liberalism
The supporters of this theory are Adam Smith,, Bemtham, Herbert Spencer. The advocates of this theory view the state as necessary evil. The state is essential because there are some functions which the individual can not do and their execution the state has to step in. But the function which the individual is able to execute, the state should not interfere in such functions.

3. Factors responsible for the growth of Negative liberalism
Abolition of king
Popularity of the theory of natural rights
Influence of contractualists
Influence of Drawin’s theory of evolution
Influence of Adam Smith
Industrialist revolution
American and French revolution

4. Functions of the state according to Negative Liberalism
Protection against external invasions
To maintain law and order
Protection of life and liberty
To maintain diplomatic relations with other states
Judicial administration
To levy and collect taxes

5. Criticism of Negative Liberalism
State is not an evil
Wrong meaning of liberty
State is not the symbol of man’s imperfection
The principle of open competition is dangerous
Survival of the fittest is a wrong principle
Man is not only hedonist
Functions of the state can not be limited
The theory of liberalists can not protect the interest of the poor
individual and society can not be separated
Obstacle in the development of state

6. Positive liberalism
J.S.Mill, Harold Laski, Maclver, Barker are the prominent supporters of positive liberalism. The supporters of positive liberalism are in favour of assigning the state with numerous welfare functions. They are of the view that every type of social, economic, moral, and cultural work should be done by the state. State is not a necessary evil but it is a mean of social economic transformation.

7. Functions of the state according to Positive Liberalism
Protection of life and property
Protection from external invasion
Maintenance of law and order
To maintain diplomatic relations with other countries
Judicial administration
spread of education
Social economic security

8. Eradication of poverty
Improvement of health
Moral and social reforms
To provide recreational facilities
To provide public utility services
Development of agriculture
To make regulations regarding trade and industries
Development of natural resources
To make regulations regarding export and import
To make regulations about labour
Imposition and collection of taxes

9. Difference between negative and positive liberalism
Difference about the nature of state
Difference about the functions of the state
Difference about the purpose
Difference about the concept of liberty
Difference about the role of state in economic field

10. References
Aggarwal R.C., Principles of Political Science, S.Chand Company, New Delhi, 1976.
Badyal, J.S, Political Theory, Raj Publishers, 2012, Jalander.
Garner James Wildford, Political Science and Government, The World Press Priviate LTD. Calcutta, 1951.
Gauba O.P, An Introduction to Political Theory, Macmillan Publisher, Delhi, 2009.
Misra K.K & Iyengar Kalpana. M, Modern Political Theory, S.Chand Company, New Delhi,

11. Heywood Andrew, Political Theory An Introduction, Palgrave Macmillan, New Yeork, 2005.
Ray Amal, Political Theory Idess and Institutions, The World Press Priviate LTD. Calcutta, 1988
Johari J.C, Principles of Modern Political Science, Sterling Publishers, New Delhi, 1989.

12. By
Dr. AMANDIP KAUR
DEPTT. OF POLITICAL SCIENCE,
PGGCG, SEC. 11, CHANDIGARH