The Cato Institute stands in defense of the traditional American principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Cato's scholars emphasize the due influence the Declaration of Independence and Constitution should have in the public policy debate and the importance of preserving the basic liberties that are the foundation of a free society.

During the 20th century, as federal power expanded to touch almost every aspect of life, America came unmoored from its constitutional first principle: that ours is a government of delegated, enumerated, and limited powers. Despite the Founders' achievements in erecting an institutional framework for the preservation of liberty, today virtually no aspect of life falls beyond the reach of the federal government.

Cato seeks to restore America's heritage of constitutionally limited government, and revive the presumption of individual liberty in public policy debate. By seeking greater involvement of the media and the public in questions of policy and the proper role of government, Cato works to build public understanding and appreciation for the principles that animated the American Revolution and serve as the foundation of every free society-limited government, individual liberty, free markets, and the rule of law.

Your donation helps Cato move America a little closer those principles.