Minarchism is a political philosophy that advocates for a minimal state, which exists solely to protect individual rights. This means that the government's role is limited to providing essential services such as national defense, law enforcement, and the judiciary. Minarchists believe that any additional government intervention can lead to the infringement of personal freedoms and economic inefficiencies. Supporters of minarchism argue that a minimal state allows for greater individual liberty and encourages free-market principles. They often draw on the ideas of classical liberal thinkers like John Locke and Friedrich Hayek, who emphasized the importance of limited government and personal responsibility in fostering a prosperous society.