Full Idea
Many classical liberals believed that a liberal democracy could function effectively even in the absence of an especially virtuous citizenry, by creating checks and balances. …One set of private interests would check another set of private interests.
Gist of Idea
Some liberals thinks checks and balances are enough, without virtuous citizens
Source
Will Kymlicka (Contemporary Political Philosophy (2nd edn) [2002], 7)
Book Reference
Kymlicka,Will: 'Contemporary Political Philosophy (2nd ed)' [OUP 2002], p.285
A Reaction
This seems to be the view of those who think a completely free market will evolve into a flourishing and just society. There is a basic debate about the importance of the character of the citizens in any polity. Marxists say they are entangled.