Liberalism

The word 'liberalism' is used around the world to
indicate a system of social organization characterized
by freedom of association & rule according to law
and not according to the caprice of authority.  Liberalism
is also associated with a system of social organization
that provides for individual freedom, equality before the
law, representative decision-making in matters of law, 
private property, and constitutionally secured limits on 
governmental power.*

*American's bewildered by the confusing use of political language in the United States since the time of Franklin Roosevelt might consult Ronal Reagan's explication of the twists contemporary language use has undergone in America -- see Reagan's Reason magazine interview "Inside Ronald Reagan".