liberalism

n. quality or condition of being liberal; political philosophy which supports the protection of an individual's political and civil liberties

This article discusses liberalism as a worldwide political ideology, its roots and development, and some of its many modern-day variations, including American, European, classical, and modern traditions. The local meaning of the term "liberalism" may differ greatly between countries; see the entries listed in Liberalism worldwide. For other uses, see Liberal (disambiguation). Liberalism refers to a broad array of related ideas and theories of government that consider individual liberty to be the most important political goal. Liberalism has its roots in the Western Age of Enlightenment.
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Noun
1. a political orientation that favors progress and reform
(hypernym) political orientation, ideology, political theory
(hyponym) neoliberalism
2. an economic theory advocating free competition and a self-regulating market and the gold standard
(hypernym) economic theory

(n.)
Liberal principles; the principles and methods of the liberals in politics or religion; specifically, the principles of the Liberal party.
  

A 19th century political viewpoint or ideology associated with strong support for a broad interpretation of civil liberties for freedom of expression and religious toleration, for widespread popular participation in the political process, and for the repeal of protectionist legal restrictions inhibiting the operation of a capitalist free market economy. In the 20th century US, the term has come to describe an ideology with similar views on civil liberties and personal freedom issues but now supporting a much stronger role for government in regulating and manipulating the private economy and providing public support for the economically and socially disadvantaged, though still stopping well short of full socialism .
In Europe, the term liberalism is still used more in its 19th century sense, and European liberals are rather more respectful of the values of the free market than their American namesakes, whose views sometimes more closely resemble those of Europeans styling themselves as social democrats .
[See also: ideology , libertarianism , socialism , welfare state ]