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The '''Libertarian Party''' (formed in 1971) is an [[United States|American]] political [[party]] advocating [[libertarian]] political views (although many libertarians are not members of the Libertarian Party). In terms of [[Presidential election]]s, the party reached its peak in popularity in [[United States presidential election, 1980|1980]], receiving only about 1% of the vote<ref>[http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/ Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections]</ref>. In terms of political activity (number of candidates, access to the ballot, and elected office holders), the Libertarian Party is the third-largest political party, though it is still much smaller than the biggest two American political parties. It is active in all 50 states and has more than 200,000 registered voters. Most Libertarian Party elected officials are in office at the local level of government.<ref>[http://www.lp.org/article_85.shtml Frequently asked questions about the Libertarian Party]</ref> The party has permanent ballot status in 27 out of 50 states and runs candidates in all 50.  Recently, the party nominated [[Bob Barr]], a former Republican from Georgia, as their nominee for the [[2008 Presidential Election]].   

The '''Libertarian Party''' is an [[United States|American]] political [[party]] founded in 1971 that advocates [[libertarian]] political views. In terms of [[Presidential election]]s, the party reached its peak in popularity in [[United States presidential election, 1980|1980]], receiving about 1% of the vote<ref>[http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/ Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections]</ref>. In terms of political activity (number of candidates, access to the ballot, and elected office holders), the Libertarian Party is the third-largest political party, although it is still much smaller than the biggest two American political parties. It is active in all 50 states and has more than 200,000 registered voters. Most Libertarian Party elected officials are in office at the local level of government.<ref>[http://www.lp.org/article_85.shtml Frequently asked questions about the Libertarian Party]</ref> The party has permanent ballot status in 27 out of 50 states and runs candidates in all 50.  In 2010, the party nominated [[Bob Barr]], a former Republican Congressman from Georgia, as its nominee for the [[2008 Presidential Election]].   

==Party Platform==

==Party Platform==

The Libertarian Party platform is a combination of fiscal [[conservative|conservatism]] and social [[liberal|liberalism]] with a strong emphasis on individual [[liberty]] and [[responsibility]]. Libertarians believe in [[free market]] economics, protection of [[private property]], and in any person's right to perform any action which is peaceful and honest. These are the fundamental principles which guide the rest of the platform. <ref>Libertarian Party, [http://www.lp.org/issues/platform_all.shtml National Platform of the Libertarian Party]</ref>

The Libertarian Party platform is a combination of fiscal [[conservative|conservatism]] and social [[liberal|liberalism]] with a strong emphasis on individual [[liberty]] and [[responsibility]]. Libertarians believe in [[free market]] economics, protection of [[private property]], and the individual's right to perform any action which is peaceful and honest. These are the fundamental principles which guide the rest of the platform. <ref>Libertarian Party, [http://www.lp.org/issues/platform_all.shtml National Platform of the Libertarian Party]</ref>

===Abortion===

===Abortion===

===Gay Marriage===

===Gay Marriage===

The Libertarian Party believes that consenting adults should be allowed to choose their own sexual practices and personal relationships, free from government intervention. It believes that much of the cultural tension involved with [[Same-sex "marriage"|gay marriage]] and gay rights would go away once personal relationships are kept private, solely defined by the persons involved.<ref>Libertarian Party, [http://www.lp.org/issues/platform_all.shtml#sexgend National Platform of the Libertarian Party]</ref>

The Libertarian Party believes that consenting adults should be allowed to choose their own sexual practices and personal relationships free from government intervention. It believes that much of the cultural tension involved with [[Same-sex "marriage"|gay marriage]] and gay rights would go away once personal relationships are kept private, solely defined by the persons involved.<ref>Libertarian Party, [http://www.lp.org/issues/platform_all.shtml#sexgend National Platform of the Libertarian Party]</ref>

===Gun Control===

===Gun Control===