Who Were The Top Ten Most Libertarian Presidents?

Libertarians are fiscally conservative and socially liberal. They believe in complete economic freedom with very little, if no, regulation. They believe that individuals should be free to make choices for themselves and must accept responsibility for the consequences of the choices they make. Libertarianism is a social and economic philosophy, and it was this way of thinking that brought our fore-fathers together to create a new nation. It was the foundation that the Republican Party was built upon and, once upon a time, once stood for. Most of us, whether we like it or not, have this same outlook on life in general. You stay out of my business and I'll stay out of yours. Limited government, maximum liberty. believe it or not, we have actually had some politicians (including presidents) who have had this similar philosophy. So you see, it is possible to live in peace and prosperity, and be in control of your own destiny. Over the years we have been led to believe that the government is the answer to all our problems. No. We are. I would like to share with you my top ten most Libertarian thinkers that have sat in the oval office. 10. Ronald Reagan. Reagan is the only post-1929 President to be listed, and one of only two on this list who served in the 20th century. Reagan was quoted as saying that “the heart and soul” of conservatism is libertarianism. Additionally, he is much less hawkish than some modern conservatives wish to remember. While many of his efforts to shrink government were hindered by Congress (and Reagan himself favored some big government with projects like the War on Drugs), Reagan truly made it cool again to believe in small government. 9. Zachary Taylor. Taylor was President for a little over a year before his death in 1850. He signed the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty with the UK, which prevented either of the countries from seizing the Nicaragua Canal. In an attempt to prevent slavery from spreading to the Southwest, he opposed the Compromise of 1850. 8. Rutherford B. Hayes. Hayes oversaw the end of Reconstruction, working to protect black Americans who were being oppressed in the South. He was in favor of the gold standard and ended the “spoils system,” thereby appointing government officials by merit rather than through their political associations. He was a firm follower of the Monroe Doctrine, believing that the US should not intervene in other countries’ business. However, he used federal troops to break up the Great Railroad Strike. 7. George Washington. The Father of our Country, Washington was tasked with an unbelievable job: he was supposed to set the example for every person who followed him in office. He famously refused to be referred to in royal terms and graciously stepped down after his second term. In his Farewell Address, he warned against entangling alliances abroad, as well as a political party system. On the negative side, he appointed and followed the advice of central banking advocate Alexander Hamilton and used the military to break up the Whiskey Rebellion. 6. Martin Van Buren. Van Buren sought diplomacy with Mexico, in contrast to the hawkish policies of Andrew Jackson. He also advocated for lower tariffs and free trade. Throughout the Panic of 1837, he practiced free market policies, refusing to get the federal government involved. Van Buren did, however, follow through with the Trail of Tears plan enacted by Andrew Jackson. 5. John Tyler Tyler assumed office after the death of William Henry Harrison (who some may claim is the most libertarian President because he did not live long enough to do anything). Tyler served nearly a full 4-year term and used his veto power often, using it on the Third Bank on two separate occasions. He also ended the Second Seminole War and did not use federal troops during the Dorr Rebellion. However, he did annex Texas, which would eventually lead to the Mexican-American War. 4. Thomas Jefferson. Thought of by many as the epitome of modern-day libertarianism, Jefferson did his best to enact pro-liberty policies once he became President. He eliminated much of the “Hamiltonian” government excess that had been left behind by Presidents Washington and Adams. He also banned slavery in the Northwest Territory, as well as banning the International Slave Trade in 1807. While some libertarians may decry the Louisiana Purchase, Jefferson is documented as having been very hesitant and thoughtful about the constitutionality of his actions. 3. James Madison. The Father of the Constitution, Madison very much continued the legacy of his predecessor Jefferson. Because of the successful economic policies of Jefferson, Madison inherited a budget surplus, and chose to cut taxes. He continued the assault on Hamilton’s national government infrastructure. He vetoed the creation of the Second Bank in 1814. Following the War of 1812, Madison had to deal with an opposition Congress, and government therefore saw some growth. However, in his final act as President, Madison vetoed the Bonus Bill of 1817, and used the occasion to criticize the Congress for so broadly interpreting the Taxing and Spending Powers of the Constitution. 2. Grover Cleveland. The only President to serve non-consecutive terms, Cleveland was one of the final “small government” Democrats. Upon his election, much like Hayes, he fought against the spoils system and additionally reduced the number of government workers. He opposed American imperialism and on several occasions prevented the US from engaging in military action. 1. Calvin Coolidge. “Silent Cal” tops my list for his role in cementing modern-day libertarian principles. Much like Reagan, Coolidge used the bully pulpit in an attempt to change the perception of how government should work. In an era which would see big government tax-and-spending Presidents like Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Herbert Hoover and Franklin Roosevelt, Coolidge stood apart. He succeeded Warren G. Harding in 1923 and served almost six years in the White House. He cut taxes substantially on at least three occasions and appointed laissez-faire actors to government agencies like the Federal Trade Commission and Interstate Commerce Commission. The federal debt was reduced by one-fourth as state and local governments grew substantially and surpassed the federal budget. Coolidge also vetoed farm subsidies, disdained federal intervention in flood control, spoke in favor of civil rights for blacks and Catholics and was wary of foreign entanglements. Notice that most of these guys were on my most conservative list as well. ( Calvin Coolidge made top spot in both categories.) Libertarians seek to substantially reduce the size and intrusiveness of government and cut and eliminate taxes at every opportunity. Believe that peaceful, honest people should be able to offer their goods and services to willing consumers without inappropriate interference from government. Believe that peaceful, honest people should decide for themselves how to live their lives, without fear of criminal or civil penalties. And they believe that government’s only responsibility, if any, should be protecting people from force and fraud. Like I said before, most everyone I know (including liberals!) agree with this philosophy. Our government truly believes that without them, fairness and personal freedom would not exist. Ha! Thanks for Reading!