Classical Liberalism - a Little Bit of Government

John Locke,
the Father of Liberalism

With Absolute Freedom on one end of the spectrum and Absolute Authority on the other end, Classical Liberalism would lie one step up from Absolute Freedom.  The main theory of Classical Liberalism (not to be confused with the modern use of the word liberal today) is "that government is best which governs least". 

Classical Liberalism calls for the least amount of government possible - just maintain the military to protect the people, and maybe build a few roads.  That's it.  If someone is sick and they can't afford healthcare, that is not the government's problem.  If someone needs to go to school, but they can't afford it, that also is not government's problem.  You should have been born rich.  If a hurricane hits your town and you are left without clean water, electricity, and food, it is not the government's problem.  You shouldn't have lived near the ocean.

The founding fathers of the United States were big followers of the idea of Classical Liberalism.   John Locke is typically considered the "Father of Liberalism".  Locke described Liberalism where the government's only goal is "the protection of life, liberty, and property".  Later, the Declaration of Independence lists "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" as the right of every citizen under government.