Omar Bennett
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. While specific information about becoming a member of the Constitution Party may not be publicly available, it is worth noting that the party has a presence in various states across the country and holds certain beliefs and values that its members presumably align with. As with other political parties, there are likely processes and requirements for joining, such as registering with the relevant authorities and adhering to the party's constitution and values.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Party Platform | Based on originalist interpretations of the Constitution |
| Shaped by principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the Bible | |
| Repeal of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Amendments | |
| Support for the compact theory, which holds that each state's membership in the Union is voluntary | |
| Phasing out social security | |
| Reducing the role of the federal government through spending cuts and replacing the income tax with a tariff-based revenue system | |
| Opposition to federal income, payroll, and estate taxes | |
| Belief in a new American Revolution | |
| Electoral Success | Ranked fifth among national parties in the US in terms of registered members |
| 28 members elected to city council seats and other municipal offices across the US as of June 2024 | |
| The Constitution Party of North Carolina gained ballot access and became a recognized party in 2018 | |
| The Constitution Party of Minnesota and Colorado have achieved major party status once | |
| Membership Requirements | Pay dues and join through the website |
| Possibility of waivers or using skills in lieu of dues |
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What You'll Learn
The Constitution Party's political platform
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 Constitution Party's political 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 Amendment, which allows Congress to tax income from interest, dividends, and capital gains, and the Seventeenth Amendment, which mandates the popular election of Senators.
The Constitution Party's platform also includes reducing the role of the federal government, cutting bureaucratic red tape, lowering spending, and replacing the income tax with a tariff-based revenue system bolstered by excise taxes. They believe that the imposition of federal income, payroll, and estate taxes is an unconstitutional assumption of direct taxing authority by the federal government. The party also advocates for the prohibition of fractional-reserve banking and a return to the gold standard, citing that the Constitution forbids states from using any currency other than gold or silver.
In terms of social issues, the Constitution Party's 2012 platform called for phasing out social security, and their 2016 platform stated that "Social Security is a form of individual welfare not authorized in the Constitution". The party supports retaining the Electoral College and opposes a popular vote system for electing the president and vice president. They reject the scientific consensus on climate change, believing that globalists are using the threat of global warming to gain control through sustainable development initiatives.
The Constitution Party has had varying levels of success in elections, with 28 members elected to city council and other municipal offices across the United States as of June 2024. The party ranks 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 that was 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 reducing the role of the federal government and cutting taxes.
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, such as the Constitution Party of North Carolina (CPNC).
- Locate the "Join" page or a similar section on the website. This page should be linked at the top or in the menu of the website.
- Fill out the necessary information, which may include personal details and contact information.
- Submit the membership form.
- Pay the required dues to become a dues-paying member.
- Contact the party to inform them of your skills, talents, abilities, and the area in which you would like to get involved.
It is important to note that the Constitution Party of North Carolina, specifically, mentions that waivers may be available, and in some cases, they may accept your skills in lieu of dues. Additionally, as of 2018, the Constitution Party of North Carolina does not have ballot access, so individuals can join the party while remaining registered to vote with another political party.
By becoming a member of the Constitution Party, individuals can actively participate in the party and contribute to its activities, such as campaigning and marketing.
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The party's founding
The Constitution Party, previously known as the U.S. Taxpayers' Party, was founded by conservative activist Howard Phillips in response to President George H. W. Bush breaking his pledge of "read my lips: no new taxes". The party was formed through the U.S. Taxpayers Alliance, an organization founded by Phillips with affiliates in 25 states.
In 1992, a coalition of independent state parties united to form the U.S. Taxpayers Party at its first national convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. Notable speakers at the convention included former Congressman Ron Paul and the party's founder, Howard Phillips, who was nominated as the party's first presidential candidate. In 1995, the Federal Election Commission recognized the party as a national party, bringing the total number of nationally recognized parties to five.
In 1996, Howard Phillips was again nominated as the party's presidential candidate for the 1996 campaign at the party's national convention in San Diego, California. Ballot access was achieved in 39 states for the 1996 elections, representing over 80% of the Electoral College votes available.
In 1999, the name of the party was changed to the "Constitution Party" by delegates at the National Convention to better reflect the party's primary focus of returning the government to the provisions and limitations of the U.S. Constitution. The party's platform is based on originalist interpretations of the Constitution and shaped by principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the Bible.
The Constitution Party has since nominated various individuals as presidential candidates, including Michael Peroutka in 2004, Chuck Baldwin in 2008, Virgil Goode in 2012, Darrell Castle in 2016, and others in subsequent years.
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The party's status
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 is shaped by principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the Bible. The party supports a range of conservative and libertarian policies, including the repeal of certain amendments, reducing the role of the federal government, and replacing the income tax with a tariff-based revenue system.
As of 2024, the Constitution Party is the fifth-largest political party in the United States in terms of registered members. The party has had some electoral success, with 28 members elected to city council and other municipal offices across the country as of June 2024. The party has also achieved major party status in Minnesota and Colorado. In Colorado, the party's affiliate, the American Constitution Party, received over 36% of the popular vote in the 2010 gubernatorial election, surpassing the 10% threshold for major party status in the state.
The Constitution Party has experienced some internal divisions and schisms over the years. In 2000, a group advocating for an explicitly religious party left to form the Christian Liberty Party (formerly known as the American Heritage Party). Additionally, in 2006, the Constitution Party of Oregon disaffiliated with the national party due to disagreements over abortion policy.
Despite these challenges, the Constitution Party continues to field candidates in various elections. The party has sought to nominate prominent politicians, such as Pat Buchanan and Ross Perot, during presidential elections but has also selected party founders and other figures as its nominees. As of 2018, the Constitution Party of North Carolina gained recognition as a ballot-qualified party in the state, allowing members to join and participate in the party's activities.
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The party's goals
The Constitution Party, formerly known as the U.S. Taxpayers' Party, is an ultra-conservative political party in the United States. The party's goals are based on originalist interpretations of the Constitution and are shaped by principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the Bible.
The Constitution Party seeks to limit the federal government to its enumerated powers as outlined in the Constitution. They oppose federal overreach into the lives and private property of citizens, advocating for strict limits on the government's ability to intrude without probable cause and a judicial warrant. The party also supports the right to keep and bear arms, as guaranteed by the Second Amendment. Additionally, they believe in the sanctity of life, asserting that life begins at fertilization and that governments have a duty to safeguard the lives of the unborn.
In terms of taxation, the Constitution Party supports repealing the Sixteenth Amendment, which allows Congress to tax income from interest, dividends, and capital gains. They also oppose federal income, payroll, and estate taxes, arguing that these are unconstitutional assumptions of direct taxing authority. Instead, they propose replacing the income tax with a tariff-based revenue system supplemented by excise taxes.
The Constitution Party also emphasizes national sovereignty, believing that the United States should strive for peace and non-interference in international affairs. They oppose entangling alliances and interventions in foreign wars, calling for an end to American participation in world government organizations and a termination of United Nations involvement within the United States.
The party has achieved varying levels of success in different states, with the Constitution Party of Minnesota and Colorado attaining major party status. As of June 2024, the party has 28 members elected to city council seats and other municipal offices across the country, ranking fifth among national parties in terms of registered members.
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Frequently asked questions
To become a member of the Constitution Party, you must join and pay dues. You can do this by visiting the join page on the CPNC website, filling out the necessary information, and submitting the form.
The Constitution Party's platform is based on originalist interpretations of the US Constitution. The party supports limited government, individual freedoms, and the repeal of certain amendments. The party also holds that each state's membership in the Union is voluntary.
The Constitution Party was founded by conservative activist Howard Phillips in response to President George H.W. Bush's violation of his "no new taxes" pledge. The party has run candidates in multiple presidential elections and has had some success in local elections.
