Liberalism as an ideology has a long and complex history in politics as well as philosophy. In essence the liberal tradition refers to a system of thought or ideology which emphasizes the concept of freedom and personal liberty as the purpose of government. This also implies the ability to desist and the right of opposition to established systems and rules and governance which may be seen to infringe on the ethos of freedom that forms the kernel of liberal ideologies. .

             A simple definition of the idea of the liberal tradition is as follows. .

             Liberalism is a political current embracing several historical and present-day ideologies that claim defense of individual liberty as the purpose of government. It typically favors the right to dissent from orthodox tenets or established authorities in political or religious matters. .

             ( Wikipedia: Liberalism) .

             Liberalism is also defined and understood in contradistinction to other political ideologies such as conservatism and particularly to totalitarianism, which represent the antithesis of liberal freedom. The term liberal stems from the Latin "liber" or "free", and this emphasizes the liberal ideal of being free from the rules and tenet of authority .

             The tradition if liberalism has undergone numerous mutations and developments in political history. The origins of liberalism can be traced to the ideals of the Enlightenment in Europe. This strain of liberal thought can also be seen to emerge in the philosophy and actions of the French revolution and European revolutions in the Nineteenth century.

             Two central elements of liberal ideology stand out in history. The first is the desire for freedom of thought and action and the second is the need to oppose what is considered to be reactionary and antiquated traditions that would retard the dimension of freedom. .

             Liberalism was the intellectual haven of the new commercial class that wanted freedom to change the old social order.