What political philosophy advocates for civil liberties, democracy, and protection of individual rights?

Liberalism is a political philosophy that emphasizes the importance of individual freedoms and civil liberties, advocating for democratic governance where the rights of individuals are protected. This philosophy promotes the idea that government should ensure equal protection under the law and support personal freedoms such as speech, assembly, and religion. Central to liberalism is the belief that individuals should be free to pursue their own paths, provided they do not infringe on the rights of others.

The focus on democracy within liberalism reinforces the idea that power should derive from the consent of the governed, requiring fair and regular elections. This system aims to safeguard individual rights against arbitrary authority, ensuring that everyone has a voice in the political process.

In contrast, other political philosophies place varying degrees of emphasis on individual rights and liberties. Conservatism often prioritizes tradition and social stability over individual freedoms, while socialism emphasizes economic equality and community welfare sometimes at the cost of individual economic rights. Libertarianism, although it shares similarities with liberalism in promoting individual rights, takes a more extreme stance on limiting government involvement in personal lives. Thus, liberalism is distinct in its balanced advocacy for civil liberties, democracy, and the protection of individual rights.