Terms Glossary

The definition and meaning of liberalism is the idea that individuals should be free to choose and pursue their own goals and interests, while government should be responsible for protecting the rights and freedoms of citizens. Liberalism holds that all individuals should have the right to enjoy the same civil liberties and political rights, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, or other characteristics. Examples of liberalism are the belief that all citizens should have the right to vote, the right to freedom of speech, and the right to pursue their own economic interests. Governments should be accountable to the citizens they serve and should promote policies that improve the lives of all people, not just the privileged few. Liberalism also encourages policies that create a level playing field for all citizens, such as access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.

The Definition and meaning of the Libertarian Party is a reform-minded political party in the United States that is committed to individual freedom, economic freedom, and personal responsibility. It stands for the idea that government should be limited to its proper role, protecting citizens from coercion and violence, and leaving room for individuals to pursue their own interests and values. The party supports greater personal and economic freedom through less government involvement in people's lives, and it generally opposes high taxes and government regulation. Libertarians generally support the free market and private property rights, oppose government monopolies, favor free trade and free immigration, oppose government censorship, and favor civil liberties such as the right to privacy. They believe that the government should not intervene in the economy, but should instead leave it to the free market to determine prices, wages, and other economic factors. Libertarians also have a generally positive view of business and free enterprise, and they oppose corporate welfare. In terms of social issues, they generally favor legalizing same-sex marriage, ending the war on drugs, and eliminating government-mandated discrimination. In short, the Libertarian Party stands for freedom and personal responsibility. It is a reform-minded party that believes government should be limited to its proper role, and that individuals should be free to pursue their own interests and values without government interference.

Definition and Meaning of Libertarianism: Libertarianism is a political philosophy that promotes individual liberty and limited government. Its adherents argue for the freedom of individuals to make choices about their own lives and for the minimization of state power and involvement in the economy and society. It stands in opposition to authoritarianism, statism, and collectivism. In its simplest terms, libertarians believe that the only legitimate use of force is in defense of individual rights, and that the government should not be involved in economic activities or social engineering. Libertarians often emphasize the importance of personal responsibility and individual freedom of choice. They reject the notion of an all-powerful government and instead favor a smaller government with limited powers that respects individual rights. Examples of libertarian policies include a free market economy, a society based on voluntary exchange and mutual consent, and the protection of civil liberties such as freedom of speech and assembly. In addition, libertarians are typically advocates of limited government regulations, lower taxes, and reduced social welfare spending. They oppose government intervention into the private lives of citizens, believing that individuals should be free to pursue their own interests without interference from the state. By advocating for personal liberty and freedom of choice, libertarians strive to create a more just and equitable society.

The definition and meaning of lieutenant governor is someone who is the second-highest executive officer in their state government, serving as the primary assistant to the governor. This position is often held by a member of the governor's own political party, but there is an emerging trend towards independent candidates, as well as cross-party coalitions, which can help to reduce the two-party system. In some states, the lieutenant governor has the power to preside over the state senate and cast tie-breaking votes, and in others, this position may be responsible for managing specific state agencies. In addition, the lieutenant governor often serves as a liaison between the governor and local government leaders and is expected to attend events and public appearances on behalf of the governor.

Definition of limited government: Limited government is the idea that government should be small and limited in its scope and power, with citizens having the maximum freedom and autonomy possible. This approach is rooted in the belief that the less government interference in people's lives, the better. It is also based on the idea of checks and balances, where the branches of government are kept separate and limited in their powers. The idea of limited government is especially attractive to reformers and independent candidates who seek to break away from the two-party system. In a limited government system, citizens would have more control over their lives, as opposed to having their fates determined by the decisions of a few powerful politicians. This could mean reducing the size of government, cutting taxes, reducing regulation, and giving citizens the ability to make their own decisions. By limiting government's reach and power, citizens can avoid the pitfalls of oppressive government control, while still providing necessary services and protecting the rights of individuals. Limited government can also help to ensure that citizens are not subjected to excessive taxation and unfair laws, while still allowing the government to provide essential services. Limited government can also promote economic growth, as businesses and individuals are able to operate without excessive regulation.

Local government refers to the administration and management of local affairs within a specific geographic area. This can include city, county, and state governments, as well as school boards, water districts, and other special purpose districts.

Local government is often seen as the "grassroots" level of the political system, as it is closer to the people and more directly affects their daily lives. It is responsible for a wide range of services and functions, such as public safety, education, infrastructure, and environmental protection.

Local government can be an important arena for political participation and change for independent and third party canidates. This is because local elections are often less expensive and more competitive than national elections, which can make it easier for independent and third party candidates to win office.

There are many examples of independent and third party candidates who have been successful in local government positions. For example, in 2019, the city of Portland, Maine elected a Green Party mayor, while the city of Providence, Rhode Island elected an independent mayor in 2014.

By encouraging independent and third party candidates to seek office and by supporting their efforts to participate in the political process, we can create a more diverse and representative local government that works for everyone. This can help to break the stranglehold of the two major parties and create a more open and inclusive political system that is responsive to the needs and concerns of the public.