Malcolm Rivera
The Constitution Party is a political party in the United States that was founded by conservative activist Howard Phillips. The party's platform is based on originalist interpretations of the Constitution and principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the Bible. It supports limited government and broad individual freedoms. To become a member of the Constitution Party, one would typically need to register with the party organization in their state or local area. Specific requirements for membership may vary, but generally, one would need to agree with the party's principles and platform, and possibly pay membership dues or participate in certain activities. Some state or local branches of the party may have additional requirements for membership, such as registering with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) if they raise or spend money in connection with federal elections.
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What You'll Learn
The Constitution Party's political platform
The Constitution Party, formerly known as the U.S. Taxpayers' Party, is an ultra-conservative political party in the United States. The party's platform is based on originalist interpretations of the Constitution and is influenced by the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the Bible.
The Constitution Party's 2012 platform advocated for phasing out social security, and its 2016 platform reiterated this stance, stating that "Social Security is a form of individual welfare not authorized in the Constitution". The party also supports the prohibition of fractional-reserve banking and a return to the gold standard, citing the Constitution's prohibition on states accepting or using anything other than a gold and silver-based currency.
The party has expressed scepticism about climate change, arguing that "globalists are using the global warming threat to gain more control via worldwide sustainable development". They also support retaining the Electoral College and oppose the establishment of a popular vote system for electing the President and Vice President. In terms of energy policy, the party emphasizes the need for a sufficient supply of energy for national security and advocates for free-market solutions.
The Constitution Party has had some electoral success, with 28 members elected to city council seats and other municipal offices across the United States as of June 2024. The party ranked fifth among national parties in terms of registered members.
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How to become a member
The Constitution Party is a political party in the United States, founded by conservative activist Howard Phillips. The party's platform is based on originalist interpretations of the Constitution and is shaped by principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the Bible. The party supports the repeal of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Amendments and believes that each state's membership in the Union is voluntary.
To become a member of the Constitution Party, one must typically join and pay dues. The process may vary slightly depending on the state and specific guidelines of the local party chapter. Here is a general overview of the steps to become a member:
- Visit the website of your state's Constitution Party chapter. For example, for North Carolina, visit the Constitution Party of North Carolina (CPNC) website.
- Locate the "Join" page or a similar section on the website. This page should provide information on becoming a member.
- Fill out the necessary information and submit the membership form. Provide your contact details, personal information, and any other required details.
- Pay the membership dues. Membership dues are typically required to join the party and may vary in amount depending on the state or local chapter.
- Get involved and participate. Becoming a dues-paying member typically grants you the ability to participate in party activities, events, and decision-making processes.
- Contact the local party executive board. Inform them of your skills, talents, and areas where you would like to get involved. The party may have opportunities for members to contribute in various ways, such as website management, fundraising, campaigning, or marketing.
It is important to note that the Constitution Party of North Carolina, as mentioned in the example, does not currently have ballot access. This means that individuals can join the party while remaining registered to vote with another political party. However, this may vary depending on the state and local laws, so it is essential to refer to the specific guidelines provided by your state's Constitution Party chapter.
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The party's founding
The Constitution Party, previously known as the U.S. Taxpayers' Party, was founded by Howard Phillips, a conservative activist, in 1992. The party was formed in response to President George H.W. Bush's violation of his pledge, "read my lips: no new taxes".
During the 1992 and 1996 presidential elections, the party sought to nominate prominent politicians such as Pat Buchanan and Ross Perot, but they were unsuccessful. As a result, the party selected Phillips as its presidential nominee in three successive elections. In 1995, the Federal Election Commission recognized the party as a national party, and in 1999, the party changed its name to the "Constitution Party" to reflect its primary focus on returning the government to the U.S. Constitution's provisions and limitations.
In 2000, a schism occurred within the party, with members who advocated for an explicitly religious party leaving to form the Christian Liberty Party, then known as the American Heritage Party. Despite this, the Constitution Party continued to gain momentum, achieving ballot access in 41 states by 2004 and increasing its vote tally by 40% compared to the 2000 elections.
In 2006, the Constitution Party of Oregon disaffiliated with the national party due to disagreements over abortion policy. However, the party continued to grow, with its affiliate in Colorado achieving major party status in 2010. In 2012, the Constitution Party nominated former Virginia Congressman Virgil Goode for President, and in 2016, the party nominated founding member Darrell Castle, setting a record with over 200,000 votes.
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The party's status in different states
The Constitution Party, previously known as the U.S. Taxpayers' Party, is an ultra-conservative political party in the United States. The party was founded by Howard Phillips, a conservative activist, after President George H. W. Bush violated his pledge of "read my lips: no new taxes". The party's platform is based on originalist interpretations of the Constitution and is shaped by principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the Bible.
As of September 2019, the Constitution Party was a ballot-qualified party in 14 states. It is the fifth-largest political party in the United States. The Constitution Party of Minnesota and Colorado have both achieved major party status once. During the 2010 Colorado gubernatorial election, the American Constitution Party, the Constitution Party's affiliate in Colorado, gained over 36% of the popular vote, more than the 10% required for major party status in the state. This status gave the party the ability to appoint 17 members to Colorado state boards and commissions.
The Constitution Party has had some success in other states as well. In 2002, Greg Moeller became the first member of the party to win a partisan election as a Scott Township Trustee in Hamilton County, Iowa. In 2006, Rick Jore became the first member of the party to hold a seat in a state legislature in Montana. In 2008, the party's presidential nominee, Chuck Baldwin, faced opposition from multiple state affiliates.
The party has also experienced some setbacks and internal divisions. In 2000, a schism occurred, with members who advocated for an explicitly religious party leaving to form the Christian Liberty Party (formerly known as the American Heritage Party). In 2006, the Constitution Party of Oregon disaffiliated with the national party over disagreements regarding abortion policy. Despite these challenges, the Constitution Party has established itself as a recognized political force in several states across the country.
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The party's stance on taxation
The Constitution Party, previously known as the U.S. Taxpayers' Party, is an ultra-conservative political party in the United States. The party was founded by Howard Phillips, a conservative activist, after President George H. W. Bush went back on his pledge of "read my lips: no new taxes". The party's platform is based on originalist interpretations of the Constitution and is influenced by the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the Bible. The party believes that the United States is a Christian nation founded on the Bible and that laws should be based on its "Biblical foundations".
The Constitution Party's stance on taxation is informed by its interpretation of the Constitution and its belief in limited government intervention. The party supports the repeal of the Sixteenth Amendment, which authorizes Congress to levy taxes on income derived from interest, dividends, and capital gains. They argue that the imposition of federal income, payroll, and estate taxes is an unconstitutional assumption of direct taxing authority by the federal government. Instead, they propose replacing the income tax with a tariff-based revenue system supplemented by excise taxes.
The party advocates for reducing the role of the federal government, which includes cutting bureaucratic red tape and reducing spending. They believe that each state's membership in the Union is voluntary, a stance known as the compact theory. This perspective aligns with their goal of minimizing federal authority and returning power to the states.
In addition to their opposition to income taxes, the Constitution Party has expressed a desire to phase out social security. Their 2012 platform called for the gradual elimination of social security, and their 2016 platform stated that "Social Security is a form of individual welfare not authorized in the Constitution." This stance further emphasizes the party's commitment to reducing the scope of federal government programs and returning to a more limited interpretation of constitutional principles.
The Constitution Party's stance on taxation reflects its conservative ideals and its desire to limit the power of the federal government. By repealing certain amendments and reducing taxation, they aim to return to what they believe are the founding principles of the nation. This position has gained support, with the party ranking fifth among national parties in the United States in terms of registered members.
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Frequently asked questions
To become a member of the Constitution Party of North Carolina, you must join and pay dues. You can do so by visiting the 'join page' on the CPNC website, filling out the necessary information, and submitting the form.
The Constitution Party's political platform is based on originalist interpretations of the US Constitution. The party supports the repeal of the Sixteenth Amendment, which allows Congress to tax income derived from interest, dividends, and capital gains, and the Seventeenth Amendment, which requires the direct (popular) election of Senators. The party also believes that each state's membership in the Union is voluntary, a stance known as the compact theory.
The Constitution Party was founded by conservative activist Howard Phillips after President George H. W. Bush violated his pledge of "read my lips: no new taxes". The party was established as the U.S. Taxpayers' Party in 1992 and officially recognised by the Federal Election Commission in 1996.
