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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 is progressive in his attitudes towards the government, establishment, and the economy. Liberals are often referred to as members of the [[Left-wing]]. The appellation's meaning has drifted significantly in the United States.  

 

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 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 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: