Libertarianism Trivia Quiz

Answer: The Physiocrats

The Physiocrats were an 18th Century Free Market economics group - possibly the first ever. Their motto means "Let us do. Leave us alone. The world runs by itself."

Answer: Frederic Bastiat

According to the Ludwig von Mises Institute:

CLAUDE FREDERIC BASTIAT was a French economist, legislator, and writer who championed private property, free markets, and limited government. Perhaps the main underlying theme of Bastiat's writings was that the free market was inherently a source of "economic harmony" among individuals, as long as government was restricted to the function of protecting the lives, liberties, and property of citizens from theft or aggression. To Bastiat, governmental coercion was only legitimate if it served "to guarantee security of person, liberty, and property rights, to cause justice to reign over all."

Answer: Adam Smith

Adam Smith used the term "invisible hand" to describe how activities in the free market operate as if guided by an unseen force for the betterment of mankind:

"Every individual endeavours to employ his capital so that its produce may be of the greatest value. He generally neither intends to promote the public interest, nor knows how much he is promoting it. He intends only his own security, only his own gain. And he is in this led by an invisible hand to promote an end which was no part of his intention. By pursuing his own interest he frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than he really intends to promote it."

Answer: John Maynard Keynes

John Maynard Keynes's economic theories were particularly popular in the period c. 1940-70.

Answer: Lysander Spooner

Check out the Spooner website to learn more about the abolitionist, libertarian, lawyer, and philosopher:

http://www.lysanderspooner.org/

Answer: PJ O'Rourke

Ex-Republican PJ O'Rourke is one of the most celebrated humorists in America, skewering government and pointing out its perpetual folly in hilarious ways. This quote is from his book, "Parliament of Whores."

Answer: Ayn Rand

Ayn Rand was the founder of the Objectivist philosophy. She never considered herself a libertarian, but when it comes to views on government, you'll find little that disagrees with the libertarian philosophy. To get an idea of her political philosophy, read the excellent "Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal."

Answer: The non-aggression axiom

According to Walter Block, "The non-aggression axiom is the lynchpin of the philosophy of libertarianism. It states, simply, that it shall be legal for anyone to do anything he wants, provided only that he not initiate (or threaten) violence against the person or legitimately owned property of another."

Answer: Ayn Rand

Alan Greenspan was once one of Ayn Rand's most eloquent authors and economists but he chnaged his views. Known among Libertarians as "He Who Shall Not Be Named."

Answer: Murray Rothbard

Murray Rothbard's book "For a New Liberty: The Libertarian Manifesto," is one of the most influential books on liberty:

"Minimum wage laws tragically generate unemployment, especially among the poorest and least skilled or educated workers... Because a minimum wage, of course, does not guarantee any worker's employment; it only prohibits, by force of law, anyone from being hired at the wage which would pay his employer to hire him."

Answer: False

According to the Libertarian philosophy, the government does not have a right to become involved in marriage, except to enforce the contracts that two willing, informed participants consent to. Therefore, gay marriage should be legal, and the government should stop trying to enforce and define the sanctity of marriage.

Answer: True

According to the libertarian philosophy, the government has no more right to take your money and give it to someone else than I do.

"The man who produces while others dispose of his product is a slave."
- Ayn Rand

"We have rights, as individuals, to give as much of our own money as we please to charity; but as members of Congress we have no right so to appropriate a dollar of public money."
- David Crockett, US Congressman (1827-1835)

"Now what liberty can there be where property is taken without consent?"
- Samuel Adams, founding father and leader of the Boston Tea Party

Answer: The West Wing

Check out all of these shows! Some are funny, some pointed, but all are important.

Answer: Milton Friedman

Milton Friedman stated that if the free market is led by an invisible hand, then government intervention is the visible foot of destruction.

Answer: Dave Barry

"To you taxpayers out there, let me say this: Make sure you
file your tax return on time! And remember that, even though
income taxes can be a 'pain in the neck,' the folks at the
IRS are regular people just like you, except that they can
destroy your life."

- Dave Barry