Definition and meaning of liberalism: 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.