Liberty vs. Authority: Civil liberties

ONE END OF THE AXIS

Liberty

You put a high priority on speech, privacy, protest, and limits on coercion. You generally want the government to justify restrictions on individual freedom, even when restrictions might make enforcement easier.

THE OTHER END

Authority

You are more willing to grant authorities additional powers to preserve public order or prevent serious harm. You put greater weight on effective enforcement when it conflicts with some individual freedoms.

The nuance matters

Both positions can value safety and freedom. The difference is the tradeoff when those goals conflict. This axis does not measure kindness, morality, or loyalty, and it does not tell us which rights you value most.

These are preferences along a scale, not fixed categories. You can have a clear leaning while making exceptions for a particular policy, institution, or situation.

A tradeoff to think about

Would you permit police to use broad facial recognition in public spaces if it helped solve serious crimes but also tracked people who had done nothing wrong?

Think about the consequences you expect and which values you would prioritize. The purpose is to make your reasoning clearer.

How this axis is scored

The quick test includes four statements on this axis; the full test includes eight. Half point toward liberty when you agree, and half toward authority. Strong answers count twice as much as moderate answers. Neutral counts as zero, while skipped statements are excluded.

A score near 50% can reflect neutral answers or opposing answers that average out. With no answered statements, the axis is shown as unmeasured. Read the formula and limitations.

The actual test statements

The first four appear in both versions. The last four add more context in the full test. There are no hidden questions or undisclosed weights.

1. Peaceful protest should remain legal even when it seriously inconveniences the public.Agreement points toward Liberty · Both versions

2. Police should have broader surveillance powers when those powers help prevent serious crime.Agreement points toward Authority · Both versions

3. Adults should generally be free to make personal choices that do not directly harm others.Agreement points toward Liberty · Both versions

4. Authorities should be able to restrict public gatherings when they expect serious disorder.Agreement points toward Authority · Both versions

5. The government should need a specific warrant before accessing a person’s private messages.Agreement points toward Liberty · Full version

6. Maintaining public order sometimes requires limiting speech that could inflame conflict.Agreement points toward Authority · Full version

7. Emergency government powers should expire quickly unless lawmakers renew them.Agreement points toward Liberty · Full version

8. Security agencies should have more discretion to act before a threat becomes immediate.Agreement points toward Authority · Full version