Question

a countrys constitution delineates the degree of freedom of action that the government allows the individual, and that degree varies by political system. an individualist system emphasizes individuals over the community, including the government, while a communitarian system emphasizes community cohesiveness while recognizing the importance of individual freedoms. countries vary in terms of the nature of their systems and the degree to which they stress individualism or communitarianism. what are the characteristics of individualist systems? in an individualist system, individuals take precedence over the government. society rests on the principle that individuals inherently possess rights that the government should preserve and promote. two major styles of individualism are common today: libertarianism (also called classical liberalism) and modern liberalism. libertarianism emphasizes restraints on government. liberalism emphasizes the governments obligation to enforce laws that protect personal autonomy and rights. lets review some of the different philosophies discussed in chapter 3 in terms of how they impact civil liberties. in libertarianism, individualists believe that governments exist to assist individuals in achieving their private interests. therefore, libertarians place many restrictions (negative rights) on the government. as john stuart mill observed in his essay on liberty (1859), in a strict individualist society: \the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilised community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. his own good, either physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant. he cannot rightfully be compelled to do or forbear because it will be better for him to do so, because it will make him happier, because, in the opinions of others, to do so would be wise, or even right. these are good reasons for remonstrating with him, or reasoning with him, or persuading him, or entreating him, but not for compelling him, or visiting him with any evil in case he do otherwise.\

Explanation:

The text discusses individualist systems, contrasting libertarianism and liberalism in terms of government - individual relationships and rights. Libertarianism emphasizes individual rights over government and has strict views on government's role in protecting civil liberties. Liberalism has different forms (classical and modern) with varying obligations of government to individuals.

Answer:

Individualist systems prioritize individual rights and freedoms. Libertarianism places many restrictions on government to safeguard personal autonomy and rights, believing governments should not interfere with individuals' private interests. Liberalism, including classical and modern forms, also emphasizes the government's role in relation to individuals, but with different philosophical stances on how much the government should be involved in protecting and promoting individual well - being.