Liberals, Psychological Types, and what is a liberal anyway

I am a INFP (but really close to INTP) on Meyer-Briggs. I thought INFPs tended to be liberals but based on this voluntary internet survey they are above average for self-describing themselves as Middle-of-the-Road, non-political conservatives. INTPs are more likely than average to be Democratic or Republican, Middle-of-the-Road and liberal.

But what do we mean by liberal anyway?

Liberal: Favoring proposals for reform, open to new ideas for progress, and tolerant of the ideas and behavior of others; broad-minded.

Liberalism: A political theory founded on the natural goodness of humans and the autonomy of the individual and favoring civil and political liberties, government by law with the consent of the governed, and protection from arbitrary authority. A 19th-century Protestant movement that favored free intellectual inquiry, stressed the ethical and humanitarian content of Christianity, and de-emphasized dogmatic theology.

So what do we mean by "favoring civil and political liberties"?

Liberty
1. A. The condition of being free from restriction or control.
B. The right and power to act, believe, or express oneself in a manner of one's own choosing.
C. The condition of being physically and legally free from confinement, servitude, or forced labor. See Synonyms at freedom.
2. Freedom from unjust or undue governmental control.
3. A right or immunity to engage in certain actions without control or interference: the liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.

Why do we believe in so much freedom?

Well, look back at the autonomy of the individual. Since we believe that you will act like a responsible adult, there is no reason to treat you like a child.

Part of a multi-part definition series by CmdrSue.