[Page 577]The Libertarian Party is a political party in the United States. In a political system dominated by two major parties (the Republicans and the Democrats), it is the third largest political party in the country, claiming more than 350,000 members. The party was founded on December 11, 1971, by David Nolan. It is built around classical liberalism and supports the reduction of government involvement in the daily affairs of its citizens. Among some of its basic tenets, the Libertarian Party believes in an isolationist posture in foreign affairs, a reduction in the scope of the criminal justice system, open borders for immigrants, strict limits on surveillance of citizens, a free market economy, and an enhanced expectation of freedom for citizens, particularly regarding social issues. ...