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'''Liberal''' is a term used in politics to describe a person who generally is left-wing in his attitudes towards the government, establishment, and many other laws. The term was first used in reference to a political opinion c. 1801 A.D., in the aftermath of the French Revolution, when it meant "tending in favor of freedom and democracy."<ref>Etymology [http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=liberal]</ref>

'''Liberal''' is a term used in politics to describe a person who generally is left-wing in his attitudes towards the government, establishment, and many other laws. The term was first used in reference to a political opinion c. 1801 A.D., in the aftermath of the French Revolution, when it meant "tending in favor of freedom and democracy."<ref>Etymology [http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=liberal]</ref>

In the United States, the term ''liberal'' characterizes people who hold political views that support fewer governmental restrictions on behavior, while supporting greater governmental influence in the free market to protect what are perceived as "natural rights" (such as anti-discrimination laws, etc.).  This is different from [[classical liberalism]] (which has more to do with what would be called [[libertarianism]] in the United States).  Modern liberalism, based upon the inherent conjuctures of its fluid reasoning, can mean different things at different times.  The following views are generally, though not always, supported by American liberals today:

In the United States, the term ''liberal'' characterizes people who favor transfers of autonomy and personal responsibility to the government.  This is different from [[classical liberalism]] (which has more to do with what would be called [[libertarianism]] in the United States).  Modern liberalism, based upon the inherent conjuctures of its fluid reasoning, can mean different things at different times.  The following views are generally, though not always, supported by American liberals today:

* in favor of [[gun control]]

* in favor of [[gun control]]

* in favor of [[abortion]] rights

* in favor of [[abortion]] rights

* promoting secularism and the prohibition of organized prayer in school

* promoting secularism and the prohibition of group prayer in school

* equal responsibilities for men and women, such as equal participation by men and women in the military

* equal responsibilities for men and women, such as equal participation by men and women in the military

* government programs to [[rehabilitate criminals]]

* government programs to [[rehabilitate criminals]]