Libertarian Principles
Libertarians believe the answer to America’s political problems is the same commitment to freedom that earned America its greatness: a free-market economy and the abundance and prosperity it brings; a dedication to civil liberties and personal freedom that marks this country above all others; and a foreign policy of non-intervention, peace, and free trade as prescribed by America’s founders.
The Economy
“A free and competitive market allocates resources in the most efficient manner. Each person has the right to offer goods and services to others on the free market. The only proper role of government in the economic realm is to protect property rights, adjudicate disputes, and provide a legal framework in which voluntary trade is protected. All efforts by government to redistribute wealth, or to control or manage trade, are improper in a free society.” – Libertarian Party Platform, Section 2.0 (adopted: May 2008)
Civil Liberties
“The defense of the country requires that we have adequate intelligence to detect and to counter threats to domestic security. This requirement must not take priority over maintaining the civil liberties of our citizens. The Bill of Rights provides no exceptions for a time of war. Intelligence agencies that legitimately seek to preserve the security of the nation must be subject to oversight and transparency.” – Libertarian Party Platform, Section 3.1 (adopted: May 2008)
Issues
- Crime and Violence
- Environment
- Family Budget
- Foreign Policy
- Freedom of Speech
- Gun Laws
- Healthcare
- Immigration
- Internet
- Poverty and Welfare
- Privacy
- Social Security
- Taxes
