libertarianism

What is a libertarian/libertarianism?

Zero Aggression Principle ("ZAP")

"A libertarian is a person who believes that no one has the right, under any circumstances, to initiate force against another human being, or to advocate or delegate its initiation. Those who act consistently with this principle are libertarians, whether they realize it or not. Those who fail to act consistently with it are not libertarians, regardless of what they may claim."
- L. Neil Smith

Formerly called the "Non-Aggression Principle", or "NAP"

Where do you stand on the political chart?

Take this short quiz from the Advocates for Self-Government to find out.

World's Smallest Political Quiz: Quick & Easy!

After you've taken the test, vote on the political affilliation you scored!

(Or you can just choose your favorite)

^#1

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Libertarian

Libertarians support maximum liberty in both perso more...2 points

^#2

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Right (Conservative)

Conservatives tend to favor economic freedom, but more...0 points

^#3

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Left (Liberal)

Liberals usually embrace freedom of choice in pers more...0 points

^#4

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Statist (Big Government)

Statists want government to have a great deal of p more...0 points

The small 'l' libertarian vs. big 'L' Libertarian

What is the difference?

All Libertarians are libertarians, but not all libertarians are Libertarians. A small 'l' libertarian is someone who believes in the Zero-Aggression Principle (ZAP). A big 'L' Libertarian is someone who believes that the existing political systems could be an effective vehicle to implement this principle. Libertarian usually means a member of the Libertarian Party, the United States' largest and most successful 3rd party. Small 'l' libertarians are those who consider the Libertarian Party useless and ineffective, or who reject the political system how it stands now and view democracy as "the tyranny of the majority".

Republic Vs. Democracy

Is there a difference?

Some people are not able to tell the difference between a Republic and a Democracy. They are actually very different things.

A Republic is representative government that rules by law(such as a constitution). A Democracy on the other hand rules by a majority vote (mob rule). A Republic recognizes that each individual has inalienable rights that cannot be infringed upon. Whereas in a Democracy, an individual's rights can be voted away in a majority vote.

Benjamin Franklin said it best, "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote."