Liberalism is a political and moral philosophy centered on the rights and freedoms of the individual. It emphasizes individual liberty, equality before the law, consent of the governed, and the protection of private property

. At its core, liberalism holds that individuals should have the freedom to live their lives as they choose, with minimal interference, as long as they do not harm others

. Key principles of liberalism include:

• Individualism : The belief in the importance and autonomy of the individual over collective groups

• Freedom : The ability to think and act according to one's own will, consistent with self-determination

• Equality : Political equality and equal opportunity for all individuals

• Rule of Law : Equality before the law and protection from arbitrary government power

• Tolerance : Acceptance of differing views and lifestyles

• Responsibility : Individuals are accountable for their own actions and circumstances

Liberalism recognizes the necessity of government to protect individuals from harm and to secure their freedoms, but it also warns against government overreach, viewing government as a "necessary evil" that must be limited to prevent tyranny

. There is a spectrum within liberalism regarding the role of government: classical liberals advocate minimal government intervention, while modern liberals support government action to remove social obstacles like poverty and discrimination to enable individuals to fully realize their potential

. Historically, liberalism emerged from Western cultural emphasis on individuality and adversarial political and economic systems that foster competition and protect liberty

. Philosophers such as John Locke, John Stuart Mill, and John Rawls have been foundational in developing liberal theory

. In summary, liberalism is the doctrine that prioritizes individual freedom, equality, and justice, advocating for a political system that protects these rights while balancing the power of government