The relationship between equality of democratic citizenship and the liberty of citizens is profoundly influenced by the degree of economic equality within a society. While formal democratic citizenship and civil liberties are often enshrined in law, their substantive realization can be significantly constrained by economic disparities.

Formal Equality vs. Substantive Liberty: Democratic citizenship typically implies political equality – one person, one vote, equal access to public office, and equal protection under the law. Liberty, in its classical sense, refers to freedom from arbitrary state interference (negative liberty) and the freedom to pursue one's potential (positive liberty). However, these formal rights and freedoms can become hollow without a certain level of economic equality.

Impact of Economic Inequality on Democratic Citizenship:

1. Political Participation: Significant economic inequality can undermine equal political participation. Wealthy individuals and corporations can disproportionately influence elections through campaign donations, lobbying, and control over media. This can lead to policies that favor the affluent, marginalizing the concerns of the poor and working classes. While everyone has a vote, the 'voice' of the economically disadvantaged may be effectively silenced or diminished.
2. Access to Justice: Legal systems, even in democracies, can be expensive to navigate. Those with limited economic resources may struggle to afford adequate legal representation, making their formal right to due process or equal protection less meaningful in practice. This creates a two-tiered justice system where economic status dictates access to justice.
3. Public Discourse: Economic power often translates into control over information and public discourse. Media ownership, think tanks, and advertising budgets can shape public opinion, making it difficult for less resourced groups to articulate their perspectives and challenge dominant narratives, thereby limiting the deliberative quality of democracy.

Impact of Economic Inequality on Liberty:

1. Freedom of Opportunity: While formal liberty guarantees the right to pursue one's goals, economic inequality severely restricts actual opportunities. A child born into poverty, lacking access to quality education, healthcare, and nutrition, has far fewer real choices and opportunities than a child from a wealthy background, regardless of their formal liberties. This limits their ability to develop their talents and pursue their aspirations.
2. Freedom from Want: Economic insecurity, such as the constant fear of job loss, homelessness, or inability to afford basic necessities, can severely curtail an individual's freedom. When people are preoccupied with survival, their capacity to engage in civic life, pursue cultural interests, or simply enjoy leisure is diminished. This relates to positive liberty, where individuals need certain resources to be truly free.
3. Autonomy and Dignity: Extreme economic dependence can erode personal autonomy and dignity. Individuals may be forced to accept exploitative working conditions or make choices that compromise their well-being simply to survive, effectively limiting their freedom to choose a life they value.

Conclusion: Therefore, while formal equality of democratic citizenship and civil liberties are foundational, their substantive value is deeply intertwined with economic conditions. A society with vast economic disparities risks creating a democracy where only the economically privileged can fully exercise their rights and freedoms. Many political theorists argue that a certain baseline of economic equality – through social welfare programs, progressive taxation, and equitable access to public services – is essential not just for social justice, but for ensuring that democratic citizenship and individual liberty are meaningful and accessible to all citizens, not just a select few.