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Economic Liberalism

Free markets and minimal government intervention will lead to increased individual freedom, economic growth, and overall prosperity.

Overview Issues Discuss

About

  • Economic liberalism is a political ideology that advocates for a minimal role for the government in the economy. It is based on the principles of individual freedom, private property rights, free markets, and competition. Economic liberals believe that these principles lead to the most efficient allocation of resources and the greatest overall prosperity. They argue that government intervention in the economy, such as through regulation or taxation, often does more harm than good by distorting market signals and creating inefficiencies.

    The roots of economic liberalism can be traced back to the Enlightenment period in the 18th century, particularly to the work of Adam Smith, a Scottish philosopher and economist. Smith's book, "The Wealth of Nations," published in 1776, is often considered the foundational text of economic liberalism. In it, Smith argued that individuals pursuing their own self-interest in free markets would lead to an "invisible hand" that promotes the general welfare of society.

    Throughout the 19th century, economic liberalism was the dominant economic ideology in many Western countries, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. This period saw a significant reduction in trade barriers and government regulation, as well as the expansion of capitalism and industrialization.

    However, the Great Depression of the 1930s led to a backlash against economic liberalism. Many people blamed the economic crisis on the lack of government regulation and the excesses of capitalism. This led to the rise of Keynesian economics, which advocates for government intervention in the economy to smooth out the boom-and-bust cycles of capitalism.

    In the late 20th century, there was a resurgence of economic liberalism, often referred to as neoliberalism. This was driven by a belief that government intervention had become too extensive and was stifling economic growth. Neoliberal policies, such as deregulation, privatization, and free trade, were implemented in many countries, including the United States under President Ronald Reagan and the United Kingdom under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

    Today, economic liberalism remains a significant force in global politics, although it is often challenged by other ideologies that advocate for more government intervention in the economy. The balance between these competing ideologies continues to shape economic policy debates around the world.

Relevant stances

Voters that identify as Economic Liberalism are most likely to agree with these stances.

Opposing stances

Voters that identify as Economic Liberalism are most likely to oppose these stances.

Similar ideologies

These ideologies are most similar to Economic Liberalism.

Classical Liberalism

Individual liberty, free markets, and limited government intervention to promote a prosperous and self-reliant society.

Government SpendingTeacher and Faculty Diversity TrainingUkrainian Defense FundingMental competency testingPublic Transportation

Neoliberalism

Free markets, deregulation, and globalization will lead to increased economic growth, efficiency, and overall prosperity for all.

Government SpendingMental competency testingEconomic StimulusSurcharge BanWomen in Combat

Neo-Libertarianism

Achieving a society where individual freedom is maximized, government intervention is minimized, and free market capitalism is promoted, while also supporting some level of social safety net and foreign intervention for the protection of human rights.

Corporate SubsidiesGovernment SpendingCorporate TaxSingle-Payer HealthcareDrug Price Regulation

Individualism

The paramount importance of personal freedom, self-reliance, and the right to express and pursue one's own goals without interference from societal or governmental constraints.

Government SpendingCorporate SubsidiesRight of Foreigners to VoteNuclear EnergyDrug Policy

Opposing ideologies

These ideologies are least similar to Economic Liberalism.

Total State Control

You believe only a comprehensive state apparatus can create the order, unity, and direction a society needs to thrive.

CryptocurrenciesLGBT Adoption RightsSocial Media RegulationFlag BurningSingle-Payer Healthcare

Totalitarianism

You believe only a comprehensive state apparatus can create the order, unity, and direction a society needs to thrive.

LGBT Adoption RightsSocial Media RegulationCryptocurrenciesDrug Price RegulationDrug Policy

Strong Authority

You believe a powerful government with broad authority can maintain order, enforce standards, and protect the nation more effectively than individual freedom allows.

CryptocurrenciesSocial Media RegulationLGBT Adoption RightsFlag BurningDrug Price Regulation

Authoritarian

A structured society with clear rules and strong leadership to maintain order and stability.

LGBT Adoption RightsCryptocurrenciesFlag BurningDrug PolicySocial Media Regulation

Social Justice Advocate

You believe deeply rooted systems of oppression require bold, structural change — not just individual attitude shifts.

Single-Payer HealthcareDrug Price RegulationHate SpeechGender Workplace DiversityMinimum Wage

Socialist

You believe major industries and resources should be owned or controlled democratically to serve the common good, not private profit.

Drug Price RegulationSingle-Payer HealthcareGovernment SpendingSurcharge BanMinimum Wage

How similar are your political beliefs to Economic Liberalism issues? Take the political quiz to find out.