Which of the following best defines "Classical Liberalism"?

Classical Liberalism is best defined as a political ideology that emphasizes individual liberty and limited government. It emerged during the Enlightenment as a response to absolutist regimes and advocated for the protection of civil liberties, personal freedoms, and the idea that government should have minimal interference in the lives of individuals. Classical Liberals argue for a political system that guarantees rights such as freedom of speech, religious freedom, and the right to private property, believing that a limited government is essential to ensure these freedoms are upheld.

This ideology values the autonomy of the individual and believes that society benefits when individuals can act freely within a framework of laws that protect those freedoms. The emphasis on limited government is crucial since Classical Liberalism posits that excessive government control can infringe upon individual rights and liberties, which is contrary to its foundational principles.