Liberal vs. Libertarian
When examining the political spectrum in the United States on a continuum from left to right, various political ideologies can be found, with communism at the far left and fascism at the extreme right. Liberal and libertarian are political ideologies that share similarities and lie somewhere in the middle of this political continuum. Although there are similarities and overlap between the two, there are notable differences that will be discussed in this article.
Liberal
Liberals believe that people should have as much freedom as possible with minimal government intervention. They oppose conservatives, who adhere to the status quo and uphold old traditions and policies. Liberals advocate for policy changes aimed at improving people’s lives. At one time, liberals prioritized personal liberty above all else. In politics, liberalism means advocating for individual rights and freedom. Liberals are considered to be left of the centrist position, and their views may be criticized as socialistic.
Libertarian
The libertarian political ideology is centered around the concept of “live and let live.” Libertarians desire minimal state intervention in citizens’ affairs, to the point where they are sometimes labeled as supporters of anarchism. The term “libertarian” is derived from the word “liberty,” and libertarians value personal freedom as well as social responsibility. Libertarians strongly oppose government interference in personal or business decisions, which translates to advocating for smaller governments, lower taxes, and reduced bureaucracy, while emphasizing greater personal freedom.
Key Takeaways
- Although liberals and libertarians once shared similar ideals and values during the 1800s, differences between the two ideologies have emerged over time.
- Both ideologies advocate personal freedom, but liberals seek to secure this freedom through government intervention, while libertarians desire freedom without government involvement.
- Today, liberals are often seen justifying larger governments, higher taxes, and strict regulation, while libertarians continue to distrust government and advocate for minimal intervention to ensure personal freedom and private initiatives to solve social problems.
