Which concept argues that the role of government is to protect individual liberties?

Liberalism is a political and philosophical movement that emphasizes the protection of individual liberties and the rights of the individual against the potential overreach of government authority. Central to liberal thought is the belief that a government's primary role is to safeguard individual freedoms, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and property rights. This concept advocates for a democratic form of government that respects and enforces these rights, allowing individuals to pursue their own paths while maintaining social order.

In contrast, socialism and communism focus more on collective ownership and control of resources, often at the expense of individual freedoms. These ideologies prioritize the needs of the community or state over those of the individual, which does not align with the core tenet of liberalism regarding the importance placed on personal liberty. Feudalism, on the other hand, was a hierarchical system prevalent in medieval Europe that was characterized by land ownership and obligation, rather than the protection of individual liberties. Therefore, the emphasis on individual rights and freedoms clearly defines liberalism as the concept that argues for the government's role in protecting individual liberties.