Libertarian Party

The Libertarian Party (formed in 1971) is an American political party advocating libertarian political views (although many libertarians are not members of the Libertarian Party). In terms of Presidential elections, the party reached its peak in popularity in 1980, receiving only about 1% of the vote. In terms of political activity (number of candidates, access to the ballot, and elected office holders), the Libertarian Party is nowhere near as large as the biggest two American political parties in America. Although they are active in all 50 states they have have less than 250,000 registered voters. Most Libertarian Party elected officials are in office at the local level of government. The party has permanent ballot status in 27 out of 50 states and runs candidates in all 50.

Party Platform

The Libertarian Party platform is a combination of fiscal conservatism and social 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.

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.

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 gay marriage and gay rights would go away once personal relationships are kept private, solely defined by the persons involved.

Gun Control

The Libertarian Party believes that gun ownership is one of the fundamental rights laid down in the Constitution, and, since ownership is a peaceful action, criminal penalties against such cannot be morally justified. It also believes that 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.

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 accounts, deregulating the health care industry, and replace the Food and Drug Administration with a more efficient free-market alternative.

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 privatizing certain services.

War on Drugs

The Libertarian Party believes that, while drug misuse is deplorable, the war on drugs has caused more problems than it is solved. It believes that the war on drugs is a threat to civil liberties and peace with foreign neighbors. It believes that individuals have the right to use any drugs, but they remain responsible for their actions while on those drugs.