Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Libertarian Party

2016-12-08T15:30:51Z

StarchildSF: Added detail on number of current Libertarian officeholders

{{AmericanPoliticalParty
| party_name = Libertarian Party
| party_articletitle =
| party_logo =
| website = [http://www.lp.org www.lp.org]
| headquarters = 1444 Duke Street [[Alexandria, VA]] 
| chairman = [[Nick Sarwark]]
| houseleader =
| senateleader =
| foundation = 1971
| ideology = [[Anarcho-capitalism]] [[Libertarianism]]
| fiscalpolicy = [[Free Market]]
| socialpolicy = [[Libertarian]]
| international = [[International Alliance of Libertarian Parties (IALP.com)]]
| colors = blue and gold
| footnotes =
}}

The '''Libertarian Party''' ('''LP'''/'''L''') of the United States is an [[United States|American]] political [[party]] founded in 1971 that advocates [[libertarian]] political views as part of the worldwide libertarian movement. In terms of [[Presidential election]]s, the party hit a new high in popularity in [[United States presidential election, 2016|2016]], receiving over 3% 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. The Libertarian Party currently has between 150-200 elected officials serving in public office across the country, mostly at the local level of government.<ref>[http://www.lp.org/article_85.shtml Frequently asked questions about the Libertarian Party]</ref> As of 2016, the party has permanent ballot status in 37 out of 50 states and runs candidates in all 50. In 2008, the party nominated [[Bob Barr]], a former Republican Congressman from Georgia, as its nominee for the [[2008 Presidential Election]]. In 2012 and 2016, [[Gary E. Johnson]], formerly the Republican governor of New Mexico, was the party's presidential candidate.

==Party Platform==
The Libertarian Party platform is a combination of fiscal [[conservative|conservatism]] and social [[liberal]]ism 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===
The Libertarian Party believes that there are good-faith arguments on both sides of the [[abortion]] debate. It therefore thinks that the [[government]] should stay out of the issue entirely, letting individual decisions and [[morality]] dictate action.<ref>Libertarian Party, [http://www.lp.org/issues/platform_all.shtml#reprodright National Platform of the Libertarian Party]</ref> It is adamantly opposed to government funding for programs such as [[Planned Parenthood]], but does not support outlawing abortion entirely.

===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> However, many in the party would support [[marriage privatization|privatizing the definition of marriage]]. A press release from the party implied that this would effectively permit [[polygamy]] as well, saying "We should settle for nothing less than a society in which the legal code is wiped clean of references to a person's sexual identity or depends on '''how many sexual partners they have.'''" <ref>[http://www.lp.org/news/press-releases/libertarians-say-marriage-equality-only-one-step-toward-ending-legal-discriminat Libertarian Party release, June 10 2011]</ref>

===Gun Control===
The Libertarian Party believes that [[gun]] ownership is one of the fundamental rights laid down in the [[United States Constitution|Constitution]], and, since ownership is a peaceful action, criminal penalties against such cannot be morally justified. It also believes that [[gun control|gun prohibition]] would not prevent people from owning guns, and that Americans have the right to decide how to best protect themselves. Lastly, since the Libertarian Party believes strongly in personal responsibility, it believes that the responsibility for violence should rest on the gun owner, not the gun.<ref>Libertarian Party: Issues & Positions. [http://www.lp.org/issues/gun-rights.shtml Making Healthcare Safe and Affordable]</ref>

===Health Care===
The Libertarian Party believes that government [[bureaucracy]] and spending are the reasons that the [[health care]] system is currently in crisis. The party endorses establishing health [[savings account]]s, [[deregulation|deregulating]] the health care industry, and replace the [[Food and Drug Administration]] with a more efficient free-market alternative.<ref>Libertarian Party: Issues & Positions. [http://www.lp.org/issues/healthcare.shtml Making Healthcare Safe and Affordable]</ref>

===Taxation===
The Libertarian Party strongly supports cutting all [[taxes]]. It believes that the size of government can be drastically lowered by cutting wasteful spending and [[privatization|privatizing]] certain services.<ref>Libertarian Party: Issues & Positions. [http://www.lp.org/issues/cut-taxes.shtml The Libertarian Party: Working to slash your taxes!]</ref>

===War on Drugs===
The Libertarian Party believes that, while [[drug]] abuse is deplorable, the [[War on Drugs|war on drugs]] has caused more problems than it has solved. Libertarians see prohibition as a threat to [[civil liberties]] and a huge drain on taxpayers, and believe individuals have the right to choose what to put into their own bodies, but that they should be held responsible for the consequences of their actions when they affect others.<ref>Libertarian Party, [http://www.lp.org/issues/platform_all.shtml#drugwar National Platform of the Libertarian Party]</ref>

===Immigration===
The Libertarian Party supports the "freedom of movement", including both immigration and emigration, as a fundamental human right, and asserts that governments have no right to discriminate on the basis of nationality, parentage, or where a person was born. Thus the party supports amnesty for undocumented persons, aka [[illegal aliens]], and immigration with few to no restrictions.

==See also==
*[[Libertarianism]]

==References==
<references />

[[Category:United States Political Parties]]
[[Category:Libertarianism]]

Libertarian Party

2016-12-08T15:28:49Z

StarchildSF: Fixed typo in previous change

{{AmericanPoliticalParty
| party_name = Libertarian Party
| party_articletitle =
| party_logo =
| website = [http://www.lp.org www.lp.org]
| headquarters = 1444 Duke Street [[Alexandria, VA]] 
| chairman = [[Nick Sarwark]]
| houseleader =
| senateleader =
| foundation = 1971
| ideology = [[Anarcho-capitalism]] [[Libertarianism]]
| fiscalpolicy = [[Free Market]]
| socialpolicy = [[Libertarian]]
| international = [[International Alliance of Libertarian Parties (IALP.com)]]
| colors = blue and gold
| footnotes =
}}

The '''Libertarian Party''' ('''LP'''/'''L''') of the United States is an [[United States|American]] political [[party]] founded in 1971 that advocates [[libertarian]] political views as part of the worldwide libertarian movement. In terms of [[Presidential election]]s, the party hit a new high in popularity in [[United States presidential election, 2016|2016]], receiving over 3% 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> As of 2016, the party has permanent ballot status in 37 out of 50 states and runs candidates in all 50. In 2008, the party nominated [[Bob Barr]], a former Republican Congressman from Georgia, as its nominee for the [[2008 Presidential Election]]. In 2012 and 2016, [[Gary E. Johnson]], formerly the Republican governor of New Mexico, was the party's presidential candidate.

==Party Platform==
The Libertarian Party platform is a combination of fiscal [[conservative|conservatism]] and social [[liberal]]ism 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===
The Libertarian Party believes that there are good-faith arguments on both sides of the [[abortion]] debate. It therefore thinks that the [[government]] should stay out of the issue entirely, letting individual decisions and [[morality]] dictate action.<ref>Libertarian Party, [http://www.lp.org/issues/platform_all.shtml#reprodright National Platform of the Libertarian Party]</ref> It is adamantly opposed to government funding for programs such as [[Planned Parenthood]], but does not support outlawing abortion entirely.

===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> However, many in the party would support [[marriage privatization|privatizing the definition of marriage]]. A press release from the party implied that this would effectively permit [[polygamy]] as well, saying "We should settle for nothing less than a society in which the legal code is wiped clean of references to a person's sexual identity or depends on '''how many sexual partners they have.'''" <ref>[http://www.lp.org/news/press-releases/libertarians-say-marriage-equality-only-one-step-toward-ending-legal-discriminat Libertarian Party release, June 10 2011]</ref>

===Gun Control===
The Libertarian Party believes that [[gun]] ownership is one of the fundamental rights laid down in the [[United States Constitution|Constitution]], and, since ownership is a peaceful action, criminal penalties against such cannot be morally justified. It also believes that [[gun control|gun prohibition]] would not prevent people from owning guns, and that Americans have the right to decide how to best protect themselves. Lastly, since the Libertarian Party believes strongly in personal responsibility, it believes that the responsibility for violence should rest on the gun owner, not the gun.<ref>Libertarian Party: Issues & Positions. [http://www.lp.org/issues/gun-rights.shtml Making Healthcare Safe and Affordable]</ref>

===Health Care===
The Libertarian Party believes that government [[bureaucracy]] and spending are the reasons that the [[health care]] system is currently in crisis. The party endorses establishing health [[savings account]]s, [[deregulation|deregulating]] the health care industry, and replace the [[Food and Drug Administration]] with a more efficient free-market alternative.<ref>Libertarian Party: Issues & Positions. [http://www.lp.org/issues/healthcare.shtml Making Healthcare Safe and Affordable]</ref>

===Taxation===
The Libertarian Party strongly supports cutting all [[taxes]]. It believes that the size of government can be drastically lowered by cutting wasteful spending and [[privatization|privatizing]] certain services.<ref>Libertarian Party: Issues & Positions. [http://www.lp.org/issues/cut-taxes.shtml The Libertarian Party: Working to slash your taxes!]</ref>

===War on Drugs===
The Libertarian Party believes that, while [[drug]] abuse is deplorable, the [[War on Drugs|war on drugs]] has caused more problems than it has solved. Libertarians see prohibition as a threat to [[civil liberties]] and a huge drain on taxpayers, and believe individuals have the right to choose what to put into their own bodies, but that they should be held responsible for the consequences of their actions when they affect others.<ref>Libertarian Party, [http://www.lp.org/issues/platform_all.shtml#drugwar National Platform of the Libertarian Party]</ref>

===Immigration===
The Libertarian Party supports the "freedom of movement", including both immigration and emigration, as a fundamental human right, and asserts that governments have no right to discriminate on the basis of nationality, parentage, or where a person was born. Thus the party supports amnesty for undocumented persons, aka [[illegal aliens]], and immigration with few to no restrictions.

==See also==
*[[Libertarianism]]

==References==
<references />

[[Category:United States Political Parties]]
[[Category:Libertarianism]]

Libertarian Party

2016-12-08T15:26:42Z

StarchildSF: /* Immigration */ Updated this section with compromise language incorporating changes made by another user who just revised the edits I made previously

{{AmericanPoliticalParty
| party_name = Libertarian Party
| party_articletitle =
| party_logo =
| website = [http://www.lp.org www.lp.org]
| headquarters = 1444 Duke Street [[Alexandria, VA]] 
| chairman = [[Nick Sarwark]]
| houseleader =
| senateleader =
| foundation = 1971
| ideology = [[Anarcho-capitalism]] [[Libertarianism]]
| fiscalpolicy = [[Free Market]]
| socialpolicy = [[Libertarian]]
| international = [[International Alliance of Libertarian Parties (IALP.com)]]
| colors = blue and gold
| footnotes =
}}

The '''Libertarian Party''' ('''LP'''/'''L''') of the United States is an [[United States|American]] political [[party]] founded in 1971 that advocates [[libertarian]] political views, and part of the worldwide libertarian movement. In terms of [[Presidential election]]s, the party hit a new high in popularity in [[United States presidential election, 2016|2016]], receiving over 3% 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 now has permanent ballot status in 37 out of 50 states and runs candidates in all 50. In 2008, the party nominated [[Bob Barr]], a former Republican Congressman from Georgia, as its nominee for the [[2008 Presidential Election]]. In 2012 and 2016, [[Gary E. Johnson]], formerly the Republican governor of New Mexico, was the party's presidential candidate.

==Party Platform==
The Libertarian Party platform is a combination of fiscal [[conservative|conservatism]] and social [[liberal]]ism 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===
The Libertarian Party believes that there are good-faith arguments on both sides of the [[abortion]] debate. It therefore thinks that the [[government]] should stay out of the issue entirely, letting individual decisions and [[morality]] dictate action.<ref>Libertarian Party, [http://www.lp.org/issues/platform_all.shtml#reprodright National Platform of the Libertarian Party]</ref> It is adamantly opposed to government funding for programs such as [[Planned Parenthood]], but does not support outlawing abortion entirely.

===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> However, many in the party would support [[marriage privatization|privatizing the definition of marriage]]. A press release from the party implied that this would effectively permit [[polygamy]] as well, saying "We should settle for nothing less than a society in which the legal code is wiped clean of references to a person's sexual identity or depends on '''how many sexual partners they have.'''" <ref>[http://www.lp.org/news/press-releases/libertarians-say-marriage-equality-only-one-step-toward-ending-legal-discriminat Libertarian Party release, June 10 2011]</ref>

===Gun Control===
The Libertarian Party believes that [[gun]] ownership is one of the fundamental rights laid down in the [[United States Constitution|Constitution]], and, since ownership is a peaceful action, criminal penalties against such cannot be morally justified. It also believes that [[gun control|gun prohibition]] would not prevent people from owning guns, and that Americans have the right to decide how to best protect themselves. Lastly, since the Libertarian Party believes strongly in personal responsibility, it believes that the responsibility for violence should rest on the gun owner, not the gun.<ref>Libertarian Party: Issues & Positions. [http://www.lp.org/issues/gun-rights.shtml Making Healthcare Safe and Affordable]</ref>

===Health Care===
The Libertarian Party believes that government [[bureaucracy]] and spending are the reasons that the [[health care]] system is currently in crisis. The party endorses establishing health [[savings account]]s, [[deregulation|deregulating]] the health care industry, and replace the [[Food and Drug Administration]] with a more efficient free-market alternative.<ref>Libertarian Party: Issues & Positions. [http://www.lp.org/issues/healthcare.shtml Making Healthcare Safe and Affordable]</ref>

===Taxation===
The Libertarian Party strongly supports cutting all [[taxes]]. It believes that the size of government can be drastically lowered by cutting wasteful spending and [[privatization|privatizing]] certain services.<ref>Libertarian Party: Issues & Positions. [http://www.lp.org/issues/cut-taxes.shtml The Libertarian Party: Working to slash your taxes!]</ref>

===War on Drugs===
The Libertarian Party believes that, while [[drug]] abuse is deplorable, the [[War on Drugs|war on drugs]] has caused more problems than it has solved. Libertarians see prohibition as a threat to [[civil liberties]] and a huge drain on taxpayers, and believe individuals have the right to choose what to put into their own bodies, but that they should be held responsible for the consequences of their actions when they affect others.<ref>Libertarian Party, [http://www.lp.org/issues/platform_all.shtml#drugwar National Platform of the Libertarian Party]</ref>

===Immigration===
The Libertarian Party supports the "freedom of movement", including both immigration and emigration, as a fundamental human right, and asserts that governments have no right to discriminate on the basis of nationality, parentage, or where a person was born. Thus the party supports amnesty for undocumented persons, aka [[illegal aliens]], and immigration with few to no restrictions.

==See also==
*[[Libertarianism]]

==References==
<references />

[[Category:United States Political Parties]]
[[Category:Libertarianism]]

Libertarian Party

2016-12-08T15:22:46Z

StarchildSF: Fixed typo in previous change to note full name of party and status as part of a worldwide movement, updated ballot access status

{{AmericanPoliticalParty
| party_name = Libertarian Party
| party_articletitle =
| party_logo =
| website = [http://www.lp.org www.lp.org]
| headquarters = 1444 Duke Street [[Alexandria, VA]] 
| chairman = [[Nick Sarwark]]
| houseleader =
| senateleader =
| foundation = 1971
| ideology = [[Anarcho-capitalism]] [[Libertarianism]]
| fiscalpolicy = [[Free Market]]
| socialpolicy = [[Libertarian]]
| international = [[International Alliance of Libertarian Parties (IALP.com)]]
| colors = blue and gold
| footnotes =
}}

The '''Libertarian Party''' ('''LP'''/'''L''') of the United States is an [[United States|American]] political [[party]] founded in 1971 that advocates [[libertarian]] political views, and part of the worldwide libertarian movement. In terms of [[Presidential election]]s, the party hit a new high in popularity in [[United States presidential election, 2016|2016]], receiving over 3% 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 now has permanent ballot status in 37 out of 50 states and runs candidates in all 50. In 2008, the party nominated [[Bob Barr]], a former Republican Congressman from Georgia, as its nominee for the [[2008 Presidential Election]]. In 2012 and 2016, [[Gary E. Johnson]], formerly the Republican governor of New Mexico, was the party's presidential candidate.

==Party Platform==
The Libertarian Party platform is a combination of fiscal [[conservative|conservatism]] and social [[liberal]]ism 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===
The Libertarian Party believes that there are good-faith arguments on both sides of the [[abortion]] debate. It therefore thinks that the [[government]] should stay out of the issue entirely, letting individual decisions and [[morality]] dictate action.<ref>Libertarian Party, [http://www.lp.org/issues/platform_all.shtml#reprodright National Platform of the Libertarian Party]</ref> It is adamantly opposed to government funding for programs such as [[Planned Parenthood]], but does not support outlawing abortion entirely.

===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> However, many in the party would support [[marriage privatization|privatizing the definition of marriage]]. A press release from the party implied that this would effectively permit [[polygamy]] as well, saying "We should settle for nothing less than a society in which the legal code is wiped clean of references to a person's sexual identity or depends on '''how many sexual partners they have.'''" <ref>[http://www.lp.org/news/press-releases/libertarians-say-marriage-equality-only-one-step-toward-ending-legal-discriminat Libertarian Party release, June 10 2011]</ref>

===Gun Control===
The Libertarian Party believes that [[gun]] ownership is one of the fundamental rights laid down in the [[United States Constitution|Constitution]], and, since ownership is a peaceful action, criminal penalties against such cannot be morally justified. It also believes that [[gun control|gun prohibition]] would not prevent people from owning guns, and that Americans have the right to decide how to best protect themselves. Lastly, since the Libertarian Party believes strongly in personal responsibility, it believes that the responsibility for violence should rest on the gun owner, not the gun.<ref>Libertarian Party: Issues & Positions. [http://www.lp.org/issues/gun-rights.shtml Making Healthcare Safe and Affordable]</ref>

===Health Care===
The Libertarian Party believes that government [[bureaucracy]] and spending are the reasons that the [[health care]] system is currently in crisis. The party endorses establishing health [[savings account]]s, [[deregulation|deregulating]] the health care industry, and replace the [[Food and Drug Administration]] with a more efficient free-market alternative.<ref>Libertarian Party: Issues & Positions. [http://www.lp.org/issues/healthcare.shtml Making Healthcare Safe and Affordable]</ref>

===Taxation===
The Libertarian Party strongly supports cutting all [[taxes]]. It believes that the size of government can be drastically lowered by cutting wasteful spending and [[privatization|privatizing]] certain services.<ref>Libertarian Party: Issues & Positions. [http://www.lp.org/issues/cut-taxes.shtml The Libertarian Party: Working to slash your taxes!]</ref>

===War on Drugs===
The Libertarian Party believes that, while [[drug]] abuse is deplorable, the [[War on Drugs|war on drugs]] has caused more problems than it has solved. Libertarians see prohibition as a threat to [[civil liberties]] and a huge drain on taxpayers, and believe individuals have the right to choose what to put into their own bodies, but that they should be held responsible for the consequences of their actions when they affect others.<ref>Libertarian Party, [http://www.lp.org/issues/platform_all.shtml#drugwar National Platform of the Libertarian Party]</ref>

===Immigration===
The Libertarian Party supports the "freedom of movement" as a fundamental human right, including both immigration and emigration, and asserts that governments have no right to discriminate on the basis of nationality, parentage, or where a person was born. Thus, the party supports amnesty for [[illegal aliens]] and immigration with little to no restrictions ("freedom of movement") as a fundamental human right. It does not care for border security.

==See also==
*[[Libertarianism]]

==References==
<references />

[[Category:United States Political Parties]]
[[Category:Libertarianism]]

Libertarian Party

2016-12-08T15:16:59Z

StarchildSF: https://www.theadvocates.org/libertarianism-101/libertarian-organizations/

{{AmericanPoliticalParty
| party_name = Libertarian Party
| party_articletitle =
| party_logo =
| website = [http://www.lp.org www.lp.org]
| headquarters = 1444 Duke Street [[Alexandria, VA]] 
| chairman = [[Nick Sarwark]]
| houseleader =
| senateleader =
| foundation = 1971
| ideology = [[Anarcho-capitalism]] [[Libertarianism]]
| fiscalpolicy = [[Free Market]]
| socialpolicy = [[Libertarian]]
| international = [[International Alliance of Libertarian Parties (IALP.com)]]
| colors = blue and gold
| footnotes =
}}

The '''Libertarian Party''' ('''LP'''/'''L''') of the United States is an [[United States|American]] political [[party]] founded in 1971 that advocates [[libertarian]] political views, and part of the worldwide libertarian movement. In terms of [[Presidential election]]s, the party hit a new high in popularity in [[United States presidential election, 2016|2016]], receiving over 3% 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 2008, the party nominated [[Bob Barr]], a former Republican Congressman from Georgia, as its nominee for the [[2008 Presidential Election]]. In 2012 and 2016, [[Gary E. Johnson]], formerly the Republican governor of New Mexico, was the party's presidential candidate.

==Party Platform==
The Libertarian Party platform is a combination of fiscal [[conservative|conservatism]] and social [[liberal]]ism 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===
The Libertarian Party believes that there are good-faith arguments on both sides of the [[abortion]] debate. It therefore thinks that the [[government]] should stay out of the issue entirely, letting individual decisions and [[morality]] dictate action.<ref>Libertarian Party, [http://www.lp.org/issues/platform_all.shtml#reprodright National Platform of the Libertarian Party]</ref> It is adamantly opposed to government funding for programs such as [[Planned Parenthood]], but does not support outlawing abortion entirely.

===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> However, many in the party would support [[marriage privatization|privatizing the definition of marriage]]. A press release from the party implied that this would effectively permit [[polygamy]] as well, saying "We should settle for nothing less than a society in which the legal code is wiped clean of references to a person's sexual identity or depends on '''how many sexual partners they have.'''" <ref>[http://www.lp.org/news/press-releases/libertarians-say-marriage-equality-only-one-step-toward-ending-legal-discriminat Libertarian Party release, June 10 2011]</ref>

===Gun Control===
The Libertarian Party believes that [[gun]] ownership is one of the fundamental rights laid down in the [[United States Constitution|Constitution]], and, since ownership is a peaceful action, criminal penalties against such cannot be morally justified. It also believes that [[gun control|gun prohibition]] would not prevent people from owning guns, and that Americans have the right to decide how to best protect themselves. Lastly, since the Libertarian Party believes strongly in personal responsibility, it believes that the responsibility for violence should rest on the gun owner, not the gun.<ref>Libertarian Party: Issues & Positions. [http://www.lp.org/issues/gun-rights.shtml Making Healthcare Safe and Affordable]</ref>

===Health Care===
The Libertarian Party believes that government [[bureaucracy]] and spending are the reasons that the [[health care]] system is currently in crisis. The party endorses establishing health [[savings account]]s, [[deregulation|deregulating]] the health care industry, and replace the [[Food and Drug Administration]] with a more efficient free-market alternative.<ref>Libertarian Party: Issues & Positions. [http://www.lp.org/issues/healthcare.shtml Making Healthcare Safe and Affordable]</ref>

===Taxation===
The Libertarian Party strongly supports cutting all [[taxes]]. It believes that the size of government can be drastically lowered by cutting wasteful spending and [[privatization|privatizing]] certain services.<ref>Libertarian Party: Issues & Positions. [http://www.lp.org/issues/cut-taxes.shtml The Libertarian Party: Working to slash your taxes!]</ref>

===War on Drugs===
The Libertarian Party believes that, while [[drug]] abuse is deplorable, the [[War on Drugs|war on drugs]] has caused more problems than it has solved. Libertarians see prohibition as a threat to [[civil liberties]] and a huge drain on taxpayers, and believe individuals have the right to choose what to put into their own bodies, but that they should be held responsible for the consequences of their actions when they affect others.<ref>Libertarian Party, [http://www.lp.org/issues/platform_all.shtml#drugwar National Platform of the Libertarian Party]</ref>

===Immigration===
The Libertarian Party supports freedom of movement as a fundamental human right, including both immigration and emigration, and asserts that governments have no right to discriminate on the basis of nationality, parentage, or where a person was born.

==See also==
*[[Libertarianism]]

==References==
<references />

[[Category:United States Political Parties]]
[[Category:Libertarianism]]

Libertarian Party

2016-12-08T15:15:09Z

StarchildSF: Updated international affiliation

{{AmericanPoliticalParty
| party_name = Libertarian Party
| party_articletitle =
| party_logo =
| website = [http://www.lp.org www.lp.org]
| headquarters = 1444 Duke Street [[Alexandria, VA]] 
| chairman = [[Nick Sarwark]]
| houseleader =
| senateleader =
| foundation = 1971
| ideology = [[Anarcho-capitalism]] [[Libertarianism]]
| fiscalpolicy = [[Free Market]]
| socialpolicy = [[Libertarian]]
| international = [[International Alliance of Libertarian Parties (IALP.com)]]
| colors = blue and gold
| footnotes =
}}

The '''Libertarian Party''' ('''LP'''/'''L''') is an [[United States|American]] political [[party]] founded in 1971 that advocates [[libertarian]] political views. In terms of [[Presidential election]]s, the party hit a new high in popularity in [[United States presidential election, 2016|2016]], receiving over 3% 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 2008, the party nominated [[Bob Barr]], a former Republican Congressman from Georgia, as its nominee for the [[2008 Presidential Election]]. In 2012 and 2016, [[Gary E. Johnson]], formerly the Republican governor of New Mexico, was the party's presidential candidate.

==Party Platform==
The Libertarian Party platform is a combination of fiscal [[conservative|conservatism]] and social [[liberal]]ism 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===
The Libertarian Party believes that there are good-faith arguments on both sides of the [[abortion]] debate. It therefore thinks that the [[government]] should stay out of the issue entirely, letting individual decisions and [[morality]] dictate action.<ref>Libertarian Party, [http://www.lp.org/issues/platform_all.shtml#reprodright National Platform of the Libertarian Party]</ref> It is adamantly opposed to government funding for programs such as [[Planned Parenthood]], but does not support outlawing abortion entirely.

===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> However, many in the party would support [[marriage privatization|privatizing the definition of marriage]]. A press release from the party implied that this would effectively permit [[polygamy]] as well, saying "We should settle for nothing less than a society in which the legal code is wiped clean of references to a person's sexual identity or depends on '''how many sexual partners they have.'''" <ref>[http://www.lp.org/news/press-releases/libertarians-say-marriage-equality-only-one-step-toward-ending-legal-discriminat Libertarian Party release, June 10 2011]</ref>

===Gun Control===
The Libertarian Party believes that [[gun]] ownership is one of the fundamental rights laid down in the [[United States Constitution|Constitution]], and, since ownership is a peaceful action, criminal penalties against such cannot be morally justified. It also believes that [[gun control|gun prohibition]] would not prevent people from owning guns, and that Americans have the right to decide how to best protect themselves. Lastly, since the Libertarian Party believes strongly in personal responsibility, it believes that the responsibility for violence should rest on the gun owner, not the gun.<ref>Libertarian Party: Issues & Positions. [http://www.lp.org/issues/gun-rights.shtml Making Healthcare Safe and Affordable]</ref>

===Health Care===
The Libertarian Party believes that government [[bureaucracy]] and spending are the reasons that the [[health care]] system is currently in crisis. The party endorses establishing health [[savings account]]s, [[deregulation|deregulating]] the health care industry, and replace the [[Food and Drug Administration]] with a more efficient free-market alternative.<ref>Libertarian Party: Issues & Positions. [http://www.lp.org/issues/healthcare.shtml Making Healthcare Safe and Affordable]</ref>

===Taxation===
The Libertarian Party strongly supports cutting all [[taxes]]. It believes that the size of government can be drastically lowered by cutting wasteful spending and [[privatization|privatizing]] certain services.<ref>Libertarian Party: Issues & Positions. [http://www.lp.org/issues/cut-taxes.shtml The Libertarian Party: Working to slash your taxes!]</ref>

===War on Drugs===
The Libertarian Party believes that, while [[drug]] abuse is deplorable, the [[War on Drugs|war on drugs]] has caused more problems than it has solved. Libertarians see prohibition as a threat to [[civil liberties]] and a huge drain on taxpayers, and believe individuals have the right to choose what to put into their own bodies, but that they should be held responsible for the consequences of their actions when they affect others.<ref>Libertarian Party, [http://www.lp.org/issues/platform_all.shtml#drugwar National Platform of the Libertarian Party]</ref>

===Immigration===
The Libertarian Party supports freedom of movement as a fundamental human right, including both immigration and emigration, and asserts that governments have no right to discriminate on the basis of nationality, parentage, or where a person was born.

==See also==
*[[Libertarianism]]

==References==
<references />

[[Category:United States Political Parties]]
[[Category:Libertarianism]]

Libertarian Party

2016-12-08T15:12:53Z

StarchildSF: Made various changes including updating page to reflect the 2016 presidential election, updating name of party chair, address of party office, expanding on some policy positions, etc.

{{AmericanPoliticalParty
| party_name = Libertarian Party
| party_articletitle =
| party_logo =
| website = [http://www.lp.org www.lp.org]
| headquarters = 1444 Duke Street [[Alexandria, VA]] 
| chairman = [[Nick Sarwark]]
| houseleader =
| senateleader =
| foundation = 1971
| ideology = [[Anarcho-capitalism]] [[Libertarianism]]
| fiscalpolicy = [[Free Market]]
| socialpolicy = [[Libertarian]]
| international = [[Interlibertarians]]
| colors = blue and gold
| footnotes =
}}

The '''Libertarian Party''' ('''LP'''/'''L''') is an [[United States|American]] political [[party]] founded in 1971 that advocates [[libertarian]] political views. In terms of [[Presidential election]]s, the party hit a new high in popularity in [[United States presidential election, 2016|2016]], receiving over 3% 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 2008, the party nominated [[Bob Barr]], a former Republican Congressman from Georgia, as its nominee for the [[2008 Presidential Election]]. In 2012 and 2016, [[Gary E. Johnson]], formerly the Republican governor of New Mexico, was the party's presidential candidate.

==Party Platform==
The Libertarian Party platform is a combination of fiscal [[conservative|conservatism]] and social [[liberal]]ism 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===
The Libertarian Party believes that there are good-faith arguments on both sides of the [[abortion]] debate. It therefore thinks that the [[government]] should stay out of the issue entirely, letting individual decisions and [[morality]] dictate action.<ref>Libertarian Party, [http://www.lp.org/issues/platform_all.shtml#reprodright National Platform of the Libertarian Party]</ref> It is adamantly opposed to government funding for programs such as [[Planned Parenthood]], but does not support outlawing abortion entirely.

===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> However, many in the party would support [[marriage privatization|privatizing the definition of marriage]]. A press release from the party implied that this would effectively permit [[polygamy]] as well, saying "We should settle for nothing less than a society in which the legal code is wiped clean of references to a person's sexual identity or depends on '''how many sexual partners they have.'''" <ref>[http://www.lp.org/news/press-releases/libertarians-say-marriage-equality-only-one-step-toward-ending-legal-discriminat Libertarian Party release, June 10 2011]</ref>

===Gun Control===
The Libertarian Party believes that [[gun]] ownership is one of the fundamental rights laid down in the [[United States Constitution|Constitution]], and, since ownership is a peaceful action, criminal penalties against such cannot be morally justified. It also believes that [[gun control|gun prohibition]] would not prevent people from owning guns, and that Americans have the right to decide how to best protect themselves. Lastly, since the Libertarian Party believes strongly in personal responsibility, it believes that the responsibility for violence should rest on the gun owner, not the gun.<ref>Libertarian Party: Issues & Positions. [http://www.lp.org/issues/gun-rights.shtml Making Healthcare Safe and Affordable]</ref>

===Health Care===
The Libertarian Party believes that government [[bureaucracy]] and spending are the reasons that the [[health care]] system is currently in crisis. The party endorses establishing health [[savings account]]s, [[deregulation|deregulating]] the health care industry, and replace the [[Food and Drug Administration]] with a more efficient free-market alternative.<ref>Libertarian Party: Issues & Positions. [http://www.lp.org/issues/healthcare.shtml Making Healthcare Safe and Affordable]</ref>

===Taxation===
The Libertarian Party strongly supports cutting all [[taxes]]. It believes that the size of government can be drastically lowered by cutting wasteful spending and [[privatization|privatizing]] certain services.<ref>Libertarian Party: Issues & Positions. [http://www.lp.org/issues/cut-taxes.shtml The Libertarian Party: Working to slash your taxes!]</ref>

===War on Drugs===
The Libertarian Party believes that, while [[drug]] abuse is deplorable, the [[War on Drugs|war on drugs]] has caused more problems than it has solved. Libertarians see prohibition as a threat to [[civil liberties]] and a huge drain on taxpayers, and believe individuals have the right to choose what to put into their own bodies, but that they should be held responsible for the consequences of their actions when they affect others.<ref>Libertarian Party, [http://www.lp.org/issues/platform_all.shtml#drugwar National Platform of the Libertarian Party]</ref>

===Immigration===
The Libertarian Party supports freedom of movement as a fundamental human right, including both immigration and emigration, and asserts that governments have no right to discriminate on the basis of nationality, parentage, or where a person was born.

==See also==
*[[Libertarianism]]

==References==
<references />

[[Category:United States Political Parties]]
[[Category:Libertarianism]]