Liberal/ Radical Parties:
Liberalism generally seeks to change the political, economic, or social status quo to foster the development and well-being of the individual, free from the restraints of government. Liberals regard the individual as a rational creature who can use his/her intelligence to overcome human and natural obstacles to a good life for all without resorting to violence against the established order. "The first political parties were groupings of the bourgeoisie who looked to political organization to secure their interests against the landowners who controlled the state....they wanted to remove state restrictions...to provide for a strict separation of state and society....key elements of the Liberal creed were legal and political rights for citizens....some Liberals argued against the extension of the franchise to those who had no 'stake' (that is, property)--such as the poor or women. Radicals...wanted to extend the franchise...there was a tradition of Republicanism--of opposition to monarchial power....Liberals and Radicals were often in conflict with the Church due to their belief in the separation of power....support for permissive social policies. According to Ware, the American Democratic Party would be considered a left liberal party and the Republicans a right-liberal party.