Our Mission

To equip people to understand, embrace, and advocate the values of self-government.

We are a community that champions human happiness, harmony, and prosperity through the values of self-government. These include persuasion and voluntary cooperation, personal responsibility, and respect for persons and their property. Those who advocate for self-government reject the initiation of force as a means of solving social problems. Instead, we promote a social philosophy that promises greater public safety, effective regulation, and compassionate welfare.

Our Vision

A world of self-governing people living in a condition of happiness, harmony, and prosperity.

We envision a society where individuals take responsibility for their own lives and communities, working together through voluntary association rather than coercion. In this world, solutions to social challenges emerge from the creativity and cooperation of free people, not from the mandates of distant bureaucracies.

Our History

The Advocates for Self-Government was founded in 1985 by Marshall Fritz, a visionary leader who recognized the need for more effective communication of libertarian principles. Fritz, who had previously worked in the private sector, brought his entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking to the challenge of promoting the ideas of liberty.

In 1987, Marshall Fritz created what would become our most famous contribution to political discourse: the World’s Smallest Political Quiz. Building on the Nolan Chart developed by Libertarian Party co-founder David Nolan in 1969, Fritz refined the concept and added ten simple questions that help people discover their political identity beyond the limiting “left-right” spectrum.

Key Milestones

• 1985: Marshall Fritz establishes The Advocates for Self-Government to help libertarians become more effective communicators
• 1987: Launch of the World’s Smallest Political Quiz, revolutionizing political self-discovery
• 1994: Marshall Fritz goes on to found the Alliance for the Separation of School & State, while remaining active with The Advocates
• 2008: The passing of Marshall Fritz leaves a lasting legacy in the liberty movement
• 2017: Michael Sertic assumes leadership as President, with Chris Rufer serving as Chairman of the Board
• Today: Over 29 million people have taken the World’s Smallest Political Quiz online, with thousands more discovering it daily

Leadership Through the Years

Our organization has been guided by dedicated leaders who share a passion for advancing the principles of self-government:

• Marshall Fritz (1985-2008): Founder and visionary who created the framework for modern libertarian outreach
• Sharon Harris: Longtime President who helped expand The Advocates’ reach and impact
• Michael Sertic (2017-present): Current President, bringing over seven years of leadership in advancing our mission
• Chris Rufer: Chairman of the Board of Directors

Our Programs

The World’s Smallest Political Quiz

Our flagship program has transformed the political discourse by offering a more nuanced perspective on political ideology. The Quiz:

• Replaces the outdated “left-right” political spectrum with a more inclusive two-dimensional model
• Has been taken over 29 million times online and distributed in over 10 million print versions
• Appears in supplemental materials for primary high school and college textbooks
• Used by college students and organizations to raise awareness about diverse political ideologies
• Has been featured in major publications including the Washington Post, The New York Times, Atlanta Journal Constitution, and London Sunday Times

Operation Politically Homeless

This innovative outreach program provides activists with a complete “event in a kit” for engaging the public at fairs, festivals, and campus events. Operation Politically Homeless booths:

• Use an interactive, visual approach to help people discover their political identity
• Have introduced thousands of people to self-governance and libertarian ideas in a fun, non-threatening way
• Include all materials needed: banners, posters, quizzes, and instructional guides
• Are operated in partnership with Students For Liberty, Young Americans for Liberty, and other allied organizations

Educational Resources and Training

We provide comprehensive resources to help advocates communicate more effectively:

Communication Training

• Workshops on persuasive techniques for discussing liberty
• Resources for engaging in productive political dialogue
• Tools for breaking through the traditional “conflict machine” of partisan politics

Content and Media

• Original articles and analysis on current events from a self-government perspective
• Books, newsletters, and video content in various formats
• Regular contributions from thought leaders, including Max Borders, Jim Babka, Christopher Cook, and others

Community Building

• Connecting advocates with local and national opportunities for activism
• Facilitating networks of people committed to voluntary solutions
• Supporting the growth of libertarian organizations through proven outreach methods

Quiz in the Classroom

An educational outreach program that brings the World’s Smallest Political Quiz into academic settings:

• Provides educators with supplemental materials for teaching political science
• Helps students understand political diversity beyond partisan labels
• Encourages critical thinking about political assumptions and beliefs

Our Philosophy

Self-government begins with the individual, but it is not a solitary endeavor. It is also a social and civic pursuit that brings both the fruits of freedom and prosperity, along with important responsibilities. The Advocates works to build a community of people who not only embody these principles in their daily lives but actively share these values with others.

We believe that meaningful social change comes through:

• Persuasion over coercion: Winning hearts and minds rather than imposing solutions
• Voluntary cooperation: People working together by choice, not by force
• Personal responsibility: Individuals taking ownership of their lives and communities
• Human Respect: Acknowledging that coercion–whether by a person or an institution–always increases suffering

Join Our Community

Whether you’re new to the ideas of self-government or a seasoned advocate for liberty, we invite you to join our growing community. Together, we’re building a world where people are free to pursue happiness, create prosperity, and live in harmony through voluntary cooperation.

The Advocates for Self-Government is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan educational organization. We welcome individuals from all political backgrounds who are interested in exploring the principles of self-government and their practical applications to today’s challenges.

“That government is best which governs not at all; and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.” – Henry David Thoreau