Whiggery is a term used to describe the political ideals of the Whig Party, a British political party that existed from the 1670s until the 1850s. The spelling of Whiggery may seem unusual, but it can be easily explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The initial "wh" in Whiggery is pronounced as a voiceless labio-velar approximant /ʍ/ – this sound is commonly found in words like "whale" and "why". The rest of the word is pronounced as "gery" /dʒəri/.
Whiggery refers to a political ideology and historical movement that emerged in England during the early 18th century. It is primarily associated with the Whig Party, a dominant political force in Britain from the late 17th century until the mid-19th century. Whiggery, at its core, represents a set of political beliefs that are centered around the principles of constitutionalism, limited government, and individual rights.
In terms of constitutionalism, Whiggery promotes the idea of a governance system where the powers of the monarch and government are restrained by a written constitution and the rule of law. It advocates for the establishment and preservation of institutions that safeguard the rights and liberties of citizens, such as an independent judiciary and a representative parliament.
Furthermore, Whiggery emphasizes the importance of limited government intervention in the lives of individuals. It argues for the protection of personal freedoms, including the freedom of speech, religion, and assembly. Whigs believe in the responsibility of the state to promote social progress, economic prosperity, and a fair justice system.
Whiggery played a significant role in British political history, championing causes such as the Glorious Revolution of 1688, the Act of Union with Scotland in 1707, and the parliamentary reforms of the 19th century. However, as political landscapes evolved and different ideologies emerged, the influence of Whiggery diminished over time. Nonetheless, its key principles continue to shape modern liberal and conservative thought, particularly in discussions of constitutional law and the role of government in society.
The word "Whiggery" originates from the term "Whig", which was originally used in Scottish political discourse in the late 17th century. The term "Whig" referred to a horse-thief or a Scottish Presbyterian rebel. Over time, it began to be used to describe a political faction that opposed the Catholic king, James II, during the Glorious Revolution in the late 17th century in Britain.
The precise origin of the word "Whig" is uncertain, but it might have been derived from the Scottish word "whiggamore", which was used to address a horse driver or someone who urged horses to go faster. Eventually, during the 18th century, the term "Whig" became associated with those who supported constitutional monarchy, religious toleration, and other liberal ideas.