Frequently Asked Questions - General
To make it easier for you to find what you are looking for, we've organized the questions into categories. These are the general questions. There are lots more in the FAQ submenu above. Click a question to jump down to the answer.
Is there an easy way to know what political party I should affiliate with?
What's the general philosophy of the Libertarian Party?
What's the history of the Libertarian Party?
Are Libertarians more like Democrats or Republicans?
How do Libertarians feel about the government?
Why are people attracted to the Libertarian party?
How does the democratic process fit with Libertarian ideas?
How can we get more viewpoints represented in our government?
Answers
Is there an easy way to know what political party I should affiliate with?
Take the World's Smallest Political Quiz on The Advocates' website.
If you score in or near the Libertarian quadrant, your political beliefs are substantially Libertarian. Welcome, join us.
If you score elsewhere on the political map, we recommend you learn more about how liberty serves you, your family, your community, and the world best. To better understand what Libertarians believe and why, read on.
What's the general philosophy of the Libertarian Party?
Libertarians honor the American heritage of liberty, enterprise, and personal responsibility. Libertarians believe that being free is the best way to live.
Libertarians take a logically consistent approach to politics based on the moral principle of self-ownership. Each individual has the right to control his or her own life, liberty, and property. Government's role is to help us defend ourselves from force and fraud initiated by others.
The Libertarian Party is for those who don't want to push other people around and don't want to be pushed around themselves. “Live and let live” is the libertarian way.
What's the history of the Libertarian Party?
The Libertarian Party was founded in 1971 by people who thought Americans deserved a political party that respected the rights of honest and peaceful individuals to run their own lives free from government interference.
The following 11 minute video provides a brief summary of our history as we have remained true to that principle.
Are Libertarians more like Democrats or Republicans?
Libertarians take the sensible center position between the left and the right. Download the Left vs. Right pdf for additional details.
Why are Libertarians so concerned about freedom? Don't we already live in a free country?
If we were free:
- The police could not pull us over and question us when driving; search our homes, businesses, library and medical records; and tap our phones and other communications without probable cause.
- When protesting government policies, we wouldn't be placed into "Free Speech Zones" away from public view.
- Our homes and businesses could not be condemned and given to well-connected developers through eminent domain.
- We would not spend 33% of our income on the government. In Illinois, we work until May every year just to pay taxes (learn more about Tax Freedom Day). After that we start earning money for our own food, clothing, and shelter.
- We could not be arrested and imprisoned indefinitely without trial on the say-so of one person.
How do Libertarians feel about the government?
The government serves an important purpose: to protect our rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Libertarians are working to have the government focus on these critical issues rather than purchasing sports stadiums and outlawing light bulbs.
Why are people attracted to the Libertarian party?
There are probably as many reasons as there are Libertarians, but here are a few examples:
- Many are initially attracted to the Party by reading great libertarian authors, such as Ayn Rand, Milton Friedman, Dave Barry, Larry Elder, Robert Heinlein, Murray Rothbard, or Mary Ruwart, to name just a few.
- Some realize that no matter if Republicans or Democrats are in power, the results are the same: a bigger, more intrusive, expensive government, higher taxes, and less freedom. They find that Libertarians are the only political party dedicated to individual rights and limited government.
- Some are attracted to libertarians' simple, logical, and consistent approach to natural rights: you are free to do as you please so long as you don't hurt others.
- Those knowledgeable about widespread abuses of people by governments throughout history recognize that only tight restrictions on government power can protect people from harm.
- Many are increasingly concerned about the actions of our current government: starting wars, spying on Americans, intimidating journalists, seizing private property, and on and on. Some are direct victims of government abuse.
- Those concerned with developing an ethical society find that the only way to develop moral individuals is to allow them to make choices and then accept the consequences, good or bad. If people aren't free to make poor choices, they are not free at all.
How does the democratic process fit with Libertarian ideas?
Democracy has been defined as "three wolves and a sheep deciding what's for dinner"—not a nice prospect if you happen to be the sheep. Fortunately for us, the United States is a constitutional republic, not a democracy.
In a democracy, the majority rules and can create any laws they want. For example, the majority can make their religion the state religion and forbid all others. In a constitutional republic, our representatives can only make laws that comply with the Constitution. So, continuing our example, under our Constitution, the majority cannot establish a state religion, allowing each of us to choose our own path.
We do use a democratic means, voting, to elect our political leaders. However, no matter how many votes politicians receive, their power is restricted by the Constitution and the inherent rights of all people.
Is freedom the most important thing we should be working on? Aren't poverty, education, disease, hunger, homelessness, etc. more important?
Freedom is most important because only with widespread prosperity can you make progress on the other issues. Compare West vs. East Germany after WWII. Same people, same situation, but the West was free and the East was not. While the West Germans gained in wealth and prosperity, the East suffered widespread poverty. With wealth comes the ability to help those who cannot help themselves. If everyone is poor, there's no one to provide a helping hand.
How can we get more viewpoints represented in our government?
Many more people have to take an active role in politics. Voting isn't enough. Ordinary Americans need to contribute and volunteer on campaigns, stay informed, and hold their elected officials accountable. Getting involved with your local Libertarian Chapter is a great way to get started.
What if I can't find my question?
Check our list of resources or contact us for further information.
