Advocates For Self-Government | World’s Smallest Political Quiz

The Libertarian “Shortest Political Quiz” is a 10-question quiz designed to gauge a person’s political leanings on two axes:

  1. Personal Issues: This measures how much government control a person believes is appropriate over social and personal matters (e.g., drug use, marriage, free speech).
  2. Economic Issues: This measures how much government control a person believes is appropriate over the economy (e.g., taxation, regulation, welfare).

How It Works

Each question presents two opposing statements, and you choose the one that aligns more closely with your views. Based on your answers, you’re placed in one of five categories:

  • Libertarian: High on personal freedom and economic freedom (minimal government intervention in both areas).
  • Left-Liberal (Progressive): High on personal freedom, low on economic freedom (support social freedoms but favor government intervention in the economy).
  • Centrist (Moderate): A mix of views, generally supporting some government intervention in both areas.
  • Right-Conservative: Low on personal freedom, high on economic freedom (favor traditional values and limited economic regulation).
  • Statist (Authoritarian): Low on both personal and economic freedom (support significant government control in both areas).

Your answers place you on a diamond shaped grid, based on the “Nolan Chart” after its’ creator, David Nolan.

Purpose and Criticism

The quiz is meant to be a quick and simple way to understand where you might fall on the political spectrum. However, it’s been criticized for oversimplifying complex issues and not capturing the nuances of political beliefs. It also focuses primarily on the American political context, so it may not be as applicable to other countries.

Where to Find It

The Libertarian “Shortest Political Quiz” can be found on the website of the Advocates for Self-Government, a libertarian organization.