Our Philosophy

Libertarians follow the principles set forth by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence, wherein he stated that individuals have inalienable rights, and that the purpose of government is to secure these rights. We hold that this is the sole purpose of government, and that there is no role for government in solving social problems. Accordingly, we advocate limited government, and defend the rights of individuals. What are these rights? They are best expressed in the National Libertarian Party Statement of Principles:

"We hold that all individuals have the right to exercise sole dominion over their own lives, and have the right to live in whatever manner they choose, so long as they do not forcibly interfere with the equal rights of others to live in whatever manner they choose.



"Governments throughout history have regularly operated on the opposite principle, that the state has the right to dispose of the lives of individuals and the fruits of their labor. Even within the United States, all political parties other than our own grant to government the right to regulate the lives of individuals and seize the fruits of their labor without their consent.



"We, on the contrary, deny the right of any government to do these things, and hold that where governments exist they must not violate the rights of any individual: namely, (1) the right to life - accordingly we support the prohibition of the initiation of physical force against others; (2) the right to liberty of speech and action - accordingly we oppose all attempts by government to abridge the freedom of speech and press, as well as government censorship in any form; and (3) the right to property - accordingly we oppose all government interference with private property, such as confiscation, nationalization, and eminent domain, and support the prohibition of robbery, trespass, fraud, and misrepresentation."

We also oppose any interference by government into the relationships of two or more individuals. People should be free to associate or not associate with others as they choose; to enter into contracts with others as they choose; and to join together in any manner that they choose. This is the only moral way, as well as the most practical way, for solving social problems. Thus, we support the free market, not only in the economic arena, but also in all areas of human interaction.

Click below for a quick, 5-minute animated presentation that lays out the bedrock of the libertarian belief system of freedom, liberty and self-ownership. It states clearly why we avoid cheap political expedience common in politics today, and are instead...