Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Liberalism is a political and philosophical ideology that emphasizes individual rights, freedom, and equality. It promotes limited government intervention in the economy and supports social progress.
Related terms
Capitalism: An economic system based on private ownership of resources and businesses, where individuals have the freedom to engage in trade and accumulate wealth.
Socialism: A political and economic theory advocating for collective or government ownership of resources and means of production, aiming for more equal distribution of wealth.