Libertarianism vs Minarchism
Libertarianism seeks to maximize personal and economic freedom, letting people live and use their property as they wish while respecting the equal rights of others.
- Each person owns their own body and labor.
- The use or threat of force against peaceful people is wrong, including when done by government.
- Free markets and voluntary exchange should replace most government programs.
Minarchism holds that the state should exist but be limited to protecting people from force, theft and fraud through police, courts and national defense.
- Government is justified only to protect people's rights to life, liberty and property.
- Police, courts and defense are the core functions of the state.
- Taxes should be limited to what these core functions require.
- Libertarianism: petals and stars
- Minarchism: dashed outline
★ Where they differ most
- Security30 points apart
Libertarianism: Liberty (strong). Minarchism: Liberty (moderate).
- Structure20 points apart
Libertarianism: Local (strong). Minarchism: Local (moderate).
- Authority15 points apart
Libertarianism: Democratic (strong). Minarchism: Democratic (strong).
- Foreign policy15 points apart
Libertarianism: Strength (strong). Minarchism: Strength (moderate).
★ Where they are closest
- Trade · 0 apart
- Welfare · 0 apart
- Ownership · 0 apart
Axis by axis
Minarchism
Economy
Equality / Markets- OwnershipStrong: Private8%92%PublicPrivate
- MarketsStrong: Free5%95%PlannedFree
- WelfareStrong: Self-reliant10%90%SharedSelf-reliant
State and liberty
Liberty / Authority- AuthorityStrong: Democratic93%7%DemocraticStrong leader
- SecurityStrong: Liberty95%5%LibertyOrder
- StructureStrong: Local90%10%LocalCentral
Society
Progress / Tradition- MoralityMild: Progressive58%42%ProgressiveTraditional
- ReligionModerate: Secular70%30%SecularReligious
- TechnologyModerate: Embrace75%25%EmbraceCaution
- CultureMild: Multicultural55%45%MulticulturalNational identity
World
Global / Nation- TradeStrong: Global90%10%GlobalProtected
- Foreign policyStrong: Strength18%82%CooperationStrength
★ 12 Axes Political Test ★
How close are you to Libertarianism or Minarchism?
Answer plain statements on 12 axes and see your match with Libertarianism or Minarchism and every other profile on the site, axis by axis.
FAQ
Libertarianism vs Minarchism
What is the difference between Libertarianism and Minarchism?
Libertarianism seeks to maximize personal and economic freedom, letting people live and use their property as they wish while respecting the equal rights of others. Minarchism holds that the state should exist but be limited to protecting people from force, theft and fraud through police, courts and national defense. On the 12 axes they differ most on security, structure, authority.
What do Libertarianism and Minarchism have in common?
Their positions are closest on trade, welfare, ownership. Overall their profiles are a 94% match on the 12 axes used by the 12 Axes Political Test.
Am I closer to Libertarianism or Minarchism?
Take the 12 Axes Political Test. Your result shows your match with both, and with every other ideology on the site, axis by axis.