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'''Liberal''' is a term used in US 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" — at that time the liberal party was the party of individual political freedoms.<ref>Etymology [http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=liberal]</ref>

'''Liberal''' is a term used in US 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" — at that time the liberal party was the party of individual political freedoms.<ref>Etymology [http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=liberal]</ref>

"Liberalism" in the US today means the favoring of collectivism or egalitarianism over individual responsibility.  Liberals tend to prefer equality in result rather than increased opportunities that can result in unequal results.

''Liberalism'' in the US today means favoring of collectivism or egalitarianism over individual responsibility.  Liberals tend to prefer equality in result rather than increased opportunities that can result in unequal results.

The term "liberal" is used in the United States to characterize the following set of beliefs::

The term ''liberal'' is used in the United States to characterize the following set of beliefs:

* support of gun control

* support of gun control

* teaching of evolution

* teaching of evolution

* increased taxpayer funding of public school

* increased taxpayer funding of public school

* protection of endangered species

* protection of all of God's creation

* taxpayer-funded rather than private medical care

* taxpayer-funded rather than private medical care

* increased power for labor unions

* increased power for labor unions

Liberals in the US typically align themselves with the [[Democratic Party]]. Note, that ''liberal'' in the European context often refers to moderate and center-right parties as well as [[socialist]] parties.<ref>http://www.alde.eu</ref> The same holds for many ''liberal'' parties throughout the world.<ref>http://www.liberal-international.org/</ref>

Liberals in the US typically align themselves with the [[Democratic Party]]. Note, that ''liberal'' in the European context often refers to moderate and center-right parties.<ref>http://www.alde.eu</ref> The same holds for many ''liberal'' parties throughout the world.<ref>http://www.liberal-international.org/</ref>

An alternative definition of liberal is anything that is not conservative.  For example, the American Heritage Dictionary includes this definition of "liberal":<ref>Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/liberal</ref>

An alternative definition of liberal is anything that is not conservative.  For example, the American Heritage Dictionary includes this definition of "liberal":<ref>Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/liberal</ref>