The philosopher John Locke, the politician Thomas Jefferson, and the novelist Ayn Rand are all moral libertarians . Utilitarian libertarians want a minimalist government because they believe that it is the best way to secure the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. Utilitarian libertarians point out that people are happiest when the restrictions placed on their behavior are minimized, and that economic production is greatest in the absence of government interference. Unlike moral libertarians, utilitarian libertarians do not consider government control morally wrong, and would be willing to agree to government control if it could be demonstrated that such control would lead to greater overall happiness in society. The philosopher Jeremy Bentham, and the economists Milton Friedman, Ludwig von Mises, and Fredrick Hayek are all utilitarian libertarians .
Modern libertarians agree on the majority of political issues commonly discussed in the media.
Virtually all libertarians favor the legalization of drugs, prostitution, and gambling. Virtually all libertarians are opposed to gun control. Virtually all libertarians think that the Post Office, fire protection, schools, radio and television stations, public transportation, and garbage collection should be provided by private companies. Virtually all libertarians believe taxes should be reduced to a tiny fraction of their current level. Virtually all libertarians are opposed to the military draft, minimum wage laws, affirmative action programs, farm subsidies, government censorship, government welfare programs, and immigration restrictions.