Classical Liberalism vs Ordoliberalism
Classical liberalism emphasizes individual rights, the rule of law, free markets and a limited government that protects life, liberty and property.
- Every person has rights to life, liberty and property that government must respect.
- Political power should be limited by a written or customary constitution and the rule of law.
- Free markets, private property and voluntary contracts are the main engines of prosperity.
Ordoliberalism is a German school of liberal thought that supports free markets inside a strong legal framework designed to protect competition and prevent concentrated power.
- Competition is the best protection against both private and public concentrations of power.
- The state should be strong enough to enforce rules but should not plan the economy.
- Strict competition law is needed to prevent cartels and monopolies.
- Classical Liberalism: petals and stars
- Ordoliberalism: dashed outline
★ Where they differ most
- Security65 points apart
Classical Liberalism: Liberty (moderate). Ordoliberalism: Order (mild).
- Foreign policy65 points apart
Classical Liberalism: Strength (mild). Ordoliberalism: Cooperation (moderate).
- Structure60 points apart
Classical Liberalism: Local (moderate). Ordoliberalism: Balanced.
- Markets50 points apart
Classical Liberalism: Free (strong). Ordoliberalism: Free (mild).
★ Where they are closest
- Culture · 0 apart
- Trade · 10 apart
- Morality · 10 apart
Axis by axis
Ordoliberalism
Economy
Equality / Markets- OwnershipStrong: Private15%85%PublicPrivate
- MarketsStrong: Free15%85%PlannedFree
- WelfareModerate: Self-reliant28%72%SharedSelf-reliant
State and liberty
Liberty / Authority- AuthorityModerate: Democratic80%20%DemocraticStrong leader
- SecurityModerate: Liberty78%22%LibertyOrder
- StructureModerate: Local80%20%LocalCentral
Society
Progress / Tradition- MoralityBalanced50%50%ProgressiveTraditional
- ReligionMild: Secular65%35%SecularReligious
- TechnologyMild: Embrace60%40%EmbraceCaution
- CultureBalanced48%52%MulticulturalNational identity
World
Global / Nation- TradeStrong: Global85%15%GlobalProtected
- Foreign policyMild: Strength35%65%CooperationStrength
★ 12 Axes Political Test ★
How close are you to Classical Liberalism or Ordoliberalism?
Answer plain statements on 12 axes and see your match with Classical Liberalism or Ordoliberalism and every other profile on the site, axis by axis.
FAQ
Classical Liberalism vs Ordoliberalism
What is the difference between Classical Liberalism and Ordoliberalism?
Classical liberalism emphasizes individual rights, the rule of law, free markets and a limited government that protects life, liberty and property. Ordoliberalism is a German school of liberal thought that supports free markets inside a strong legal framework designed to protect competition and prevent concentrated power. On the 12 axes they differ most on security, foreign policy, structure.
What do Classical Liberalism and Ordoliberalism have in common?
Their positions are closest on culture, trade, morality. Overall their profiles are a 81% match on the 12 axes used by the 12 Axes Political Test.
Am I closer to Classical Liberalism or Ordoliberalism?
Take the 12 Axes Political Test. Your result shows your match with both, and with every other ideology on the site, axis by axis.