Libertarians have many views but generally favor maximizing freedom and minimizing government. The foundation for this view is respect for the rights inherent to all people, often referred to as the “non-aggression principle,” the idea that initiating force or the threat of force against others is wrong.
With the World’s Smallest Political Quiz on the Advocates for Self-Government website, you can answer 10 quick questions to find out where you fit on the political map.
The Libertarian Party (LP) was founded in 1971 by eight individuals who decided that the existing political parties would never reflect their belief in civil liberties, economic freedom, and peace. The LP is now the third-largest and fastest-growing political party in America, with affiliates in all 50 states, hundreds of local area chapters, and over 140 elected Libertarian officials. There is a growing number of international Libertarian Party organizations as well.
Libertarians champion fundamental American values: a free-market economy and the abundance and prosperity it brings, civil liberties and personal freedom, and a foreign policy of non-intervention, peace, and free trade.
You can read the Libertarian Party platform on the LP website. It covers many of the most common political issues.
The national Libertarian Party generally supports nationwide campaigns and operations. They host a national convention every two years where delegates determine the party platform, elect national candidates, and select representatives to the Libertarian National Committee (LNC), which oversees national party operations.
The Libertarian Party of Illinois generally supports state campaigns and operations. We host an Illinois convention every year where members determine the party bylaws and elect statewide candidates and party officers. The State Organizing Committee (SOC) oversees party operations.
Local Libertarian Chapters are organized at the county or regional level. They typically hold monthly meetings for social and activism purposes and support the election of local candidates and promotion of libertarian causes in their communities.
Join the Libertarian Party of Illinois by agreeing that people have the right to control their own lives as long as they do not initiate the use of force or fraud against others. There is no cost to join the LP Illinois; however, membership is required to vote at the state convention, serve as a party officer, and be an Illinois delegate to the national convention.
You can also join the national party and your local Libertarian chapter.
The purpose of casting your vote influences government policy. If you vote for a Democrat or a Republican, you are telling them, “You’re doing a great job—keep giving us more of the same.” Every vote for a Libertarian sends the opposite message: “Increase freedom—reduce the size, scope, and cost of government.”
When you become a member of the national Libertarian Party or the Libertarian Party of Illinois, you will receive Party news via email. You can also follow us on Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). For local news, join a local Libertarian chapter. If there is no chapter near you, take the very Libertarian step of starting one.
Our Party exists because volunteers donate their time and donors provide their financial support. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities within the Party, email our Volunteer Director. We accept donations online with most major credit cards and offline via check. Visit our Donate page for all the details.
The Illinois Libertarian Party bylaws are made available for viewing here: Bylaws.