A libertarian is someone who adheres to libertarianism, a political philosophy that prioritizes individual liberty and limited government intervention in personal and economic affairs. Here are some key characteristics of libertarianism and libertarians:
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Individual freedom: Libertarians strongly value individual freedom and believe that people should have the right to make their own choices about their lives, including their bodies and property. They see the individual as the basic unit of social analysis and emphasize personal responsibility for ones actions.
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Limited government: Libertarians advocate for a government that is minimal in size and scope, with its primary role being the protection of individuals from coercion and violence. They are highly skeptical of political authority and state legitimacy.
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Free-market economy: Libertarians typically endorse a free-market economy based on private property and voluntary market relationships among agents. They believe that government intervention, such as wealth redistribution, can involve unjustified coercion and disrupt the natural harmony between productive individuals.
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Cultural and fiscal liberalism: In the United States, the term "libertarian" is often used to describe a political position that advocates small government, is culturally liberal, and fiscally conservative in a two-dimensional political spectrum. However, libertarianism is a broader philosophy that can encompass various cultural and fiscal perspectives.
