What are the fundamental beliefs of libertarianism?

[Mathew H]

Libertarianism is essentially 18th and early 19th century Liberalism.

It focuses on limited government, the rights of the individual reigning supreme over the community, and a free market economy. Libertarianism truly focuses on individualism. In fact, the Libertarians were simply classical Liberals that split from the old Liberals becuase of the general direction that movement was heading... towards greater government only to ensure equality of opportunity to make a just society that still focuses on the individual.

Libertarians would believe in a very small, de-centralized government (although some may prefer a centralized one to ensure a solid economy, defence, etc). Many would probably reject the party systems of government in favour of a completely independent legislature to truly voice constituents' concerns to the national level. Either way, they would want a smaller government with limited laws and limited taxation to better give the inidividual reign over his/her own activities. Libertarians would not be a fan of social programs or any leftist (modern leftist) social policies. The Libertarian would declare education, health care, etc to be the responsibility of the individual and not the state.

Many of America's founding fathers were libertarian (in the modern sense of the word). Remember in their time they were Liberal.. because Liberal and Libertarian back then were virutlaly the samet hing. While Conservativism back then referred to Toryism.... a strong and large government that retains the status quo of religion, heirarchy and social order.

Both Liberalism and Conservativism have changed in meaning over time. In fact, it is much more correct to say that modern American Conservatives are actually "neo-liberals". Not quite Libertarian.. although many Libertarians more than not support modern Conservatives... lol kind of a confusing terminology.

A good example of who has Libertarian leanings in the primaries would be Ron Paul.