.jpg){kind=logo}
Most of the American political debate centers on the two major parties – Democrats and Republicans. It’s easy to think that we should eliminate political parties altogether, but it would never work. Aristotle noted that humans are political animals and will always form associations based on common beliefs and experiences. Or more succinctly, we spend our time with people who see life the same way that we do. Contrary to common belief, the US Constitution does not require a two-party system, or any parties at all. They’re not even mentioned.
A political party is an organization with a distinct view of the purpose of government and seeks to hold power in that government through the electoral process.
In his farewell address to the nation before his retirement, George Washington warned us not to let the parties become too powerful. He said they too easily sink to pettiness and favoritism, and would distract from the important business of governing. Hmmmmm.
Thomas Jefferson said:
"Men by their constitutions are naturally divided into two parties: 1. Those who fear and distrust the people, and wish to draw all powers from them into the hands of the higher classes. 2. Those who identify themselves with the people, have confidence in them, cherish and consider them as the most honest and safe, although not the most wise depositary of the public interests. In every country these two parties exist, and in every one where they are free to think, speak, and write, they will declare themselves. Call them, therefore, Liberals and Serviles, Jacobins and Ultras, Whigs and Tories, Republicans and Federalists, Aristocrats and Democrats, or by whatever name you please, they are the same parties still and pursue the same object. The last one of Aristocrats and Democrats is the true one expressing the essence of all." (Thomas Jefferson to Henry Lee, 1824. ME 16:73)
This is an abbreviated description of the most common political parties in the US, in their own words and in alphabetical order. Membership figures are approximate.
Communist Party USA, founded ca. 1920. 15,000 members as of 2002,
The Communist Party USA is the party of and for the U.S. working class, a class which is multiracial, multinational, and unites men and women, young and old, employed and unemployed, organized and unorganized, gay and straight, native-born and immigrant, urban and rural, and composed of workers who perform a large range of physical and mental labor—the vast majority of our society. We are the party of the African American, Mexican American, Puerto Rican, all other Latino American, Native American, Asian American, and all racially and nationally oppressed peoples, as well as women, youth, and all other working people.
The living standards of workers and the natural environment on which life depends are under constant attack due to the drive for maximum profits inherent in capitalism. Our party fights for jobs and economic security, a decent and rising standard of living, peace, justice, equality, a sustainable environment, gay rights, health care, education, affordable housing, the needs of seniors, democracy, and a fulfilling life for everyone, with socialism as our goal. Only through the abolition of the capitalist system and the socialist reorganization of society can exploitation of human beings by others, and the evils of oppression, war, racism, environmental degradation, and poverty be ended. We seek to build a socialist society which puts people and nature before profits.
Constitution Party – founded 1992. 336,937 members as of 2006.
Seven Principles of the Constitution Party are:
- Life: For all human beings, from conception to natural death;
- Liberty: Freedom of conscience and actions for the self-governed individual;
- Family: One husband and one wife with their children as divinely instituted;
- Property: Each individual's right to own and steward personal property without government burden;
- Constitution: and Bill of Rights interpreted according to the actual intent of the Founding Fathers;
- States' Rights: Everything not specifically delegated by the Constitution to the federal government, nor prohibited by the Constitution to the states, is reserved to the states or to the people;
- American Sovereignty: American government committed to the protection of the borders, trade, and common defense of Americans, and not entangled in foreign alliances.
Democratic Party – founded 1792. 72 million members as of 2004.
We, the Democrats of the United States of America, united in common purpose, hereby rededicate
ourselves to the principles, which have historically sustained our Party. Recognizing that the vitality of the Nation's political institutions has been the foundation of its enduring strength, we acknowledge that a political party which wishes to lead must listen to those it would lead, a party which asks for the people's trust must prove that it trusts the people and a party which hopes to call forth the best the Nation can achieve must embody the best of the Nation's heritage and traditions.
What we seek for our Nation, we hope for all people: individual freedom in the framework of a just
society, political freedom in the framework of meaningful participation by all citizens. Bound by the United States Constitution, aware that a party must be responsive to be worthy of responsibility, we pledge ourselves to open, honest endeavor and to the conduct of public affairs in a manner worthy of a society of free people.
Democratic Socialists of America – founded 1982. 10,000 members as of 2008.
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is the largest socialist organization in the United States, and the principal U.S. affiliate of the Socialist International. DSA's members are building progressive movements for social change while establishing an openly socialist presence in American communities and politics.
At the root of our socialism is a profound commitment to democracy, as means and end. We are activists committed not only to extending political democracy but to demanding democratic empowerment in the economy, in gender relations, and in culture. Democracy is not simply one of our political values but our means of restructuring society. Our vision is of a society in which people have a real voice in the choices and relationships that affect the entirety of our lives. We call this vision democratic socialism — a vision of a more free, democratic and humane society.
Green Party – founded 2001. 304,796 registered as of 2005
The Green Party of the United States is a federation of state Green Parties. Committed to environmentalism, non-violence, social justice and grassroots organizing, Greens are renewing democracy without the support of corporate donors. Greens providereal solutions for real problems. Whether the issue is universal health care, corporate globalization, alternative energy, election reform or decent, living wages for workers, Greens have the courage and independence necessary to take on the powerful corporate interests. The Federal Elections Commission recognizes the Green Party of the United States as the official Green Party National Committee. We are partners with theEuropean Federation of Green Parties and the Federation of Green Parties of the Americas.
Libertarian Party – founded 1971. 200,000 members as of 2006.
Libertarians believe in, and pursue, personal freedom while maintaining personal responsibility. The Libertarian Party itself serves a much larger pro-liberty community with the specific mission of electing Libertarians to public office. Libertarians strongly oppose any government interfering in their personal, family and business decisions. Essentially, we believe all Americans should be free to live their lives and pursue their interests as they see fit as long as they do no harm to another. In a nutshell, we are advocates for a smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom.
Republican Party – founded 1856. 55 million members as of 2006.
The Republican Party believes that the United States has been blessed with a unique set of individual rights and freedoms available to all.
The Republican Party is inspired by the power and ingenuity of the individual to succeed through hard work, family support and self-discipline.
The Republican Party believes in the value of voluntary giving and community support over taxation and forced redistribution.
The Republican Party, like our nation's founders, believes that government must be limited so that it never becomes powerful enough to infringe on the rights of individuals.
The Republican Party supports low taxes because individuals know best how to make their own economic and charitable choices.
The Republican Party is supportive of logical business regulations that encourage entrepreneurs to start more businesses so more individuals can enjoy the satisfaction and fruits of self-made success.
The Republican Party is committed to preserving our national strength while working to extend peace, freedom and human rights throughout the world.
The Republican Party is guided by these principles as it develops solutions to the challenges facing America.
There are about 80 other parties. Some are regional, some temporary, and some focus only on a few issues. Many of them have similar names. Some are splinter groups of others. There is no such thing as the “independent party”. If you register to vote as an independent, then you are not registered in any party at all.
You are not required to list a party on your voter registration in Pennsylvania. In some states, it’s not even possible to do so. Every year, each state holds a primary election or caucus. In a primary election, the political parties – mainly the Democrats and Republicans – choose the candidates who will represent them in the general election in November. Not all parties are on the ballot in all states every year. States have different requirements for putting candidates on their ballots.
For more information
Comments
I believe that our political system cd evolve so that we used both winner-take-all and winner-doesn't-take-all elections and we have two major parties, neither one predominating and both strategically positioning themselves around the de facto center, and a host of LT parties, local t(hird) parties taht contest only more local elections and otherwise vote strategically together and engage in civil issue advocacy.
This wd not be that hard to bring about. You just need a core group of people who care more about influencing policy changes than getting and keeping power to form the backbone of the LT parties.
To see more of my idea, check out "Move Over Health Care, Pass the Election Reform" at TPM Cafe.
dlw
In Minnesota we have three major political Parties the DFL, GOP, and the Independence Party. The IP was founded 16 years ago and has provided ballot access to quality independents running for office who otherwise would have had difficulty running because of the strong two party system.
Just 5 years after organizing the IP won the highest office in Minnesota with the election of Governor Ventura. This fall our US Senate candidate Dean Barkley achieved 16% of the vote with a campaign fund of just over $100,000 compared to the 10s of millions the other two parties spent.
One big challenge to the Independence Party is that unlike other activist parties independents are not interested in "joining" or putting a bumper stickers on there car. This will always make the IP look different than other political parties but should not be counted out!
The IP can most simply be explained as being "fiscally conservative and socially liberal." Best of all the take no PAC or special interest
Although I do not know if it is a national party, there is a far-right party in California called the "American Independent" party. It is claimed by some that many independent (small "i") voters mistakenly join the American Independent party believing it stands for no party affiliation. In California that no-party status is called "Decline to State."
The MNIP may have a core of devout followers, but they're not winning elections and disingenuous in their claims about winning the major elections they contest.
This is why we need more local third parties, not unlike the Progressive Dane party in WI or the Working Families party in NY.
dlw
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!