In America political thought is grouped in categories. These categories are used to distinguish people based on their political views and preferences. One of the most controversial groups to fall in is the that of a liberal. Liberalism is the belief that equality and liberty for every individual is most important. Political liberalism covers many [...]

Classic liberalism is an ideology that developed in Europe and America during the nineteenth century. Classical liberalism incorporated ideas of limited government, liberties like freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly and the free market. Many influential individuals contributed to the growth and development of classical liberalism including; John- Baptiste Shay, David Ricardo, and John [...]

Modern liberalism is an ideology that is focused on individual rights. These rights are those outlined in the constitution, and affect every person within this established nation. Current liberalism focuses on controversial issues like abortion, gay marriage, and health care. These three issues are major factors in society, and political campaigns. In a nation that [...]

Social liberalism, is a reformulation of 19th century liberalism. A social liberal believes that out of control capitalism is a hindrance to true freedom. Instead of the negative freedom of classical liberalism, social liberalism offers positive freedom that would allow individuals to prosper with public assistance in health, education and welfare. This includes government intervention [...]

Economic liberalism is a useful term to describe theories propounded in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The term was coined by nineteenth-century thinkers to describe their own theories; rather than economics. Nevertheless, economic liberalism usefully describes theories of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries that defended the individual liberty to buy, sell, work, employ, and trade [...]

Conservatism is the belief in personal responsibility, limited government, free markets, individual liberty, traditional American values and a strong national defense. Many that believe in Conservatism believe the role of government should be to provide people the freedom necessary to pursue their own goals. Conservative policies generally emphasize empowerment of the individual to solve [...]