Libertarianism

Guide Note

Libertarianism encompasses a broad range of philosophies and ideologies that share a belief in maximal personal liberty and limitation of government. Many modern Libertarians place the origins of the movement in the Enlightenment era philosophies of John Locke, Baron de Montesquieu, and Adam Smith. Today, Libertarians generally uphold the freedom of speech and assembly, freedom of and from religion, the right to bear arms, the freedom of assembly and the press, and economic freedom, while rejecting the basic tenets of Communism and Socialism, as well as most, if not all, taxation. Libertarianism is generally opposed to state initiated welfare but supports individual charity and personal responsibility and protects private property and the right of ownership. Critics point to the fact that Libertarians often have opposite positions on the same issue. In the United States, Libertarianism is popularly defined as a tendency to agree "conservative" economic policy and "liberal" policies on civil liberties and personal freedom.

Fast Facts

1. Libertarian Party is the third largest in the United States
2. Bill Redpath is the current chairman of the Libertarian Party
3. Generally promotes limited government, free markets, and personal liberties
4. Generally call for a strict reading of the constitution
5. Popularly defined as a tendency to agree "conservative" economic policy and "liberal" policies on civil liberties and personal freedom
6. A diverse philosophical movement, Libertarians often disagree on key issues