Freedom in the 50 States is a newly published research paper by the Mercatus Center, a nonprofit public policy research center with George Mason University. It is an index of personal and economic freedoms, ranking all 50 states under four categories: 1) Fiscal Policy, 2) Regulatory Policy, 3) Economic Freedom, and 4) Personal Freedom. You can check it out here.
Here are the rankings of the ten best and worst under the Personal Freedom category:
Top 10 States for Personal Freedom
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1. Alaska
2. Maine
3. New Mexico
4. Arkansas
5. Texas
6. Missouri
7. Oregon
8. Idaho
9. Virginia
10. Wyoming
Bottom 10 States For Personal Freedom (starting with the lowest score)
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1. Maryland
2. Illinois
3. New York
4. Rhode Island
5. Ohio
6. New Jersey
7. Massachusetts
8. Alabama
9. Georgia
10. South Carolina
But what about the top and bottom ten states when all four categories are taken into account?
Top Ten Overall Freedom Ranking
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1. New Hampshire
2. Colorado
3. South Dakota
4. Idaho
5. Texas
6. Missouri
7. Tennessee
8. Arizona
9. Virginia
10. North Dakota
Bottom Ten Overall Freedom Ranking (starting with the lowest score)
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1. New York
2. New Jersey
3. Rhode Island
4. California
5. Maryland
6. Hawaii
7. Washington
8. Massachusetts
9. Illinois
10. Connecticut
The bottom ten states in the Overall Freedom Ranking is almost striking in the fact that it is what one would expect: they are states controlled by the Democratic Party or liberal politics.
With the advent of Obamaworld and the evermore encroachment of the federal government, the sovereignty of the states and personal freedoms will become an issue of where to live, work, and raise a family.
It’s almost like a free market of the states – but will they understand themselves as marketable items in competition with each other? In the land of the free and the home of the brave, those states that do – will be the winners in the future.
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I am not surprised about Texas being ‘OK.’
and the bottom ones really do not surprise me.
[...] properties to raise cash and California elected officials’ pay will be cut 18% Jim Blazsik: The Top and Bottom 10 States for Overall Freedoms Blue Crab Boulevard: What The National Media Is Not Telling You Michelle Malkin: Nice “work” if [...]
Its not surprise to me that California (my home) is on the bottom of the list. No thanks to the idiot for brains Republican governor we have that should be prosecuted for laying off all of our government employees because our idiot legislatures can pass a simple budget. Why does the middle class always get screwed when a Republican takes office?
wasn’t california in a bigger mess before a republican got into office ? Or do you not remember that. Maybe he did what he had to to get the budget on track without doing what Obama has started, raising our taxes during a recession to pay for all teh money he has spent with the democrat controlled congress’ blessing
Whoa. Someone is blaming a Republican for the mess California is in? Seriously? Not only does Big Government steal people’s freedoms and rights and money, but apparently it brainwashes them, too.
DUDE! Montana isn’t even on the list!!! I have lived in Colorado, Alaska, Oklahoma, and Montana…and I can GUARENTEE that Montana is far more free then the other states listed besides Alaska. We are passing pro-life, pro-gun, and pro-personal property bills left and right. Dem and Repub both here are very strong for individualism. I appreciate your post, but Montana is at least number 3 on those freedom ranking lists!
[...] properties to raise cash and California elected officials’ pay will be cut 18% Jim Blazsik: The Top and Bottom 10 States for Overall Freedoms Blue Crab Boulevard: What The National Media Is Not Telling You Michelle Malkin: Nice “work” if [...]
[...] The Top and Bottom 10 States for Overall Freedoms « Jim Blazsik [...]
[...] clipped from jimblazsik.com [...]
I don’t get what criteria you based this on, but as a proud Sandlapper, I think South Carolina is one of the most free states left in the country. The government stays out of residents wallets with some of the lowest state taxes in the nation. You’re not at risk defending your home and family with deadly force, the state constitution prevents eminent domain and a gun show is still a gun show. If a restaurant wants to they can have an ashtray on every table. Hell, you can ride a motorcycle with or without a helmet if you choose (S.C. figures it’s your skull after all). I realize marijuana remains illegal, but that issue doesn’t singlehandedly determine personal freedom. S.C. is ahead of most states in the personal freedom department.
[...] The Top and Bottom 10 States for Overall Freedoms The Top and Bottom 10 States for Overall Freedoms [...]
[...] politicians? Hot Air Green Room: Lies Wide Shut Legal Insurrection: Yes They Do Jim Blazsik: The Top and Bottom 10 States for Overall Freedoms The American Pundit: Good News: CA Dem Leader Compares Free Speech to Terrorism Senate GOP Doctors: [...]
[...] and Franken-fied: Make way for (another) clown; Update: Coleman statement added Jim Blazsik: The Top and Bottom 10 States for Overall Freedoms Pam Meister, Big Hollywood: Mellencamp: First Amendment More of a ‘Collective’ Thing Ace of [...]
[...] A Republican/Palin Supporter: Palin on Michael Dukes Show Talks About Alinsky Tactics Jim Blazsik: The Top and Bottom 10 States for Overall Freedoms The American Pundit: Good News: CA Dem Leader Compares Free Speech to Terrorism Senate GOP Doctors: [...]
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