Minarchism (also known as
minimal statism) is a
political philosophy and a form of
libertarianism. It is variously defined by sources. In the strictest sense, it holds that
states ought to exist (as opposed to
anarchy), that their only legitimate function is the protection of individuals from
aggression,
theft,
breach of contract, and
fraud, and that the only legitimate governmental institutions are the
military,
police, and
courts. In the broadest sense, it also includes
fire departments,
prisons, the
executive, and
legislatures as legitimate government functions. Such states are generally called
night-watchman states.