Liberalism vs Republicanism
Liberalism is a broad political tradition that puts individual freedom, equal rights, constitutional government and the consent of the governed at the center of politics.
- Individuals have equal basic rights and freedoms.
- Government should be limited by a constitution and accountable to voters.
- Freedom of speech, assembly, conscience and religion must be protected.
Republicanism is a political tradition that defines liberty as freedom from domination and stresses civic virtue, the rule of law, mixed government and rule without a monarch.
- Freedom means not being subject to anyone's arbitrary will, not simply being left alone.
- Government should rest on the rule of law rather than the will of a single ruler.
- Power should be divided and balanced so that no person or group can dominate.
- Liberalism: petals and stars
- Republicanism: dashed outline
★ Where they differ most
- Morality65 points apart
Liberalism: Progressive (moderate). Republicanism: Traditional (mild).
- Culture65 points apart
Liberalism: Multicultural (moderate). Republicanism: National identity (mild).
- Trade60 points apart
Liberalism: Global (moderate). Republicanism: Protected (mild).
- Security55 points apart
Liberalism: Liberty (moderate). Republicanism: Order (mild).
★ Where they are closest
- Structure · 5 apart
- Authority · 5 apart
- Welfare · 5 apart
Axis by axis
Republicanism
Economy
Equality / Markets- OwnershipMild: Private35%65%PublicPrivate
- MarketsMild: Free35%65%PlannedFree
- WelfareBalanced50%50%SharedSelf-reliant
State and liberty
Liberty / Authority- AuthorityModerate: Democratic80%20%DemocraticStrong leader
- SecurityModerate: Liberty70%30%LibertyOrder
- StructureMild: Local55%45%LocalCentral
Society
Progress / Tradition- MoralityModerate: Progressive70%30%ProgressiveTraditional
- ReligionModerate: Secular80%20%SecularReligious
- TechnologyMild: Embrace65%35%EmbraceCaution
- CultureModerate: Multicultural68%32%MulticulturalNational identity
World
Global / Nation- TradeModerate: Global75%25%GlobalProtected
- Foreign policyModerate: Cooperation70%30%CooperationStrength
★ 12 Axes Political Test ★
How close are you to Liberalism or Republicanism?
Answer plain statements on 12 axes and see your match with Liberalism or Republicanism and every other profile on the site, axis by axis.
FAQ
Liberalism vs Republicanism
What is the difference between Liberalism and Republicanism?
Liberalism is a broad political tradition that puts individual freedom, equal rights, constitutional government and the consent of the governed at the center of politics. Republicanism is a political tradition that defines liberty as freedom from domination and stresses civic virtue, the rule of law, mixed government and rule without a monarch. On the 12 axes they differ most on morality, culture, trade.
What do Liberalism and Republicanism have in common?
Their positions are closest on structure, authority, welfare. Overall their profiles are a 78% match on the 12 axes used by the 12 Axes Political Test.
Am I closer to Liberalism or Republicanism?
Take the 12 Axes Political Test. Your result shows your match with both, and with every other ideology on the site, axis by axis.