Liberalism is a concept that describes the basic beliefs and values of people who think that everyone should be treated equally, no matter what their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation is. In the United States, liberalism is a political philosophy that is associated with the Democratic Party, which is one of the two major parties in American politics.
Being a liberal means that you believe in things like:
- Equality: everyone should have the same opportunities in life, and no one should be discriminated against because of their identity.
- Freedom: people should be allowed to do what they want, as long as they don't harm others.
- Social justice: the government should help those who are struggling and try to make society a fairer place for everyone.
- Democracy: people should have a say in how their country is run, and the government should be accountable to the people.
So, for example, a liberal might believe that everyone should have access to healthcare, even if they can't afford it. They might also believe that the government should protect the environment, and that everyone should have the right to marry whoever they love.
Overall, liberalism is a political philosophy that aims to create a more equal and just society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and live a good life.