The Libertarian Party

Active: 1971-present. The Libertarian Party is America's third-largest political party, advocating for minimal government, free markets, civil liberties, and non-interventionist foreign policy.

Core Principles

Individual Rights

  • Personal freedom and responsibility
  • Property rights
  • Privacy rights
  • Second Amendment rights

Economic Freedom

  • Free market capitalism
  • Opposition to taxation
  • Deregulation
  • End the Federal Reserve

Limited Government

  • Reduce federal power
  • End drug prohibition
  • Non-interventionist foreign policy
  • Eliminate government subsidies

Notable Presidential Candidates

Gary Johnson (2012, 2016)

Former New Mexico Governor. Received 3.3% of popular vote in 2016, the party's best showing.

Ron Paul (1988)

Former U.S. Representative, later influenced Republican Party as presidential candidate.

Jo Jorgensen (2020)

Academic and entrepreneur, received 1.2% of popular vote.

Ed Clark (1980)

Received 1.1% of popular vote, record-setting at the time.

Electoral Performance

1971

Party founded in Colorado

1980

First major electoral showing with Ed Clark

2012

Gary Johnson receives 1% of popular vote

2016

Record 3.3% of popular vote

Current Platform Highlights

  • End the war on drugs
  • Protect civil liberties
  • Reform immigration system
  • Reduce military intervention
  • Support free trade
  • Protect gun rights
  • Reform healthcare through free market
  • Reduce government spending

Current Status

The Libertarian Party maintains ballot access in most states and regularly fields candidates at all levels of government. While it hasn't won major national offices, it has succeeded in local elections and has influenced national political discourse on issues of individual liberty, government overreach, and fiscal policy.

The party continues to advocate for reducing government power and protecting individual rights, often serving as a bridge between conservative fiscal policy and liberal social policy.