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Liberalism is an ideology which advocates equality of opportunity for all within the framework of a system of laws. It includes a belief in government as an institution whose primary function is to define and enforce the laws. Since no one is above the law, the laws, and particularly, the higher law, a Constitution, must be developed not solely by one ruler but by representatives of the elite groups. Therefore, liberalism invariably involves a belief in the need for legislative bodies which represent the influential groups. The Constitution then defines the power relationships between a single executive and the legislature, and, as in the case of the United States, may also define a separate judiciary. Liberalism is also very much concerned with allowing a maximum of freedom for the individual within the context of a system of laws which limit interference with individual rights by government or by other individuals. Hence the liberal ideology also invariably involves a bill of rights to define the rights of individuals and especially to limit the power of government to interfere with those rights. In the economic sphere, liberalism in its nineteenth century form, advocated non-interference in the economic activities of individuals by government. This is best expressed in The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith, first published in 1776. As such, it represents a fundamental reversal of the ideas of mercantilism which previously prevailed. Whereas mercantilism involved intervention by government through the imposition of tariffs and other regulations of trade, Adam Smith advocated free trade. There were also a number of French philosophers who argued a similar non-intervention by government in economic affairs. The term "laissez faire" is derived from their writings. Economic liberalism, however, is generally no longer included in the concept of liberalism. The idea that government should not regulate economic activities has come under severe criticism within liberal circ