The political philosophy that advocates for limited government and equal rights is liberalism. Rooted in Enlightenment ideals, liberalism emphasizes individual liberty, democracy, and the protection of human rights. It contends that government should exist to protect these rights rather than restrict them. Philosophers like John Locke and John Stuart Mill have influenced its principles, asserting that individuals should have the freedom to pursue their own happiness while coexisting in a society that safeguards equal treatment under the law. Throughout history, liberalism has evolved, contributing to movements for civil rights, gender equality, and social justice.