Eleanor Finch
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, and the Bible. 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 may vary, but generally, one must be a registered voter and agree to abide by the party's constitution and platform. In some cases, there may be membership fees or contributions involved. It is advisable to reach out to the local branch or visit the official website for detailed information on how to join the Constitution Party in your specific state or locality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Party Platform | Originalist interpretations of the Constitution and principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the Bible |
| Founding | Founded by Howard Phillips, a conservative activist, in response to President George H. W. Bush violating his "no new taxes" pledge |
| Electoral Performance | Unsuccessful in presidential elections in 1992, 1996, 2000, 2002, and 2004; first member elected to state legislature in 2006; achieved major party status in Minnesota and Colorado; 28 members elected to city council and municipal offices as of June 2024; fifth-largest party in terms of registered members |
| Schism | In 2000, a split occurred with religious members leaving to form the Christian Liberty Party (formerly the American Heritage Party) |
| State Recognition | Recognized as a ballot-qualified party in 14 states as of September 2019; officially recognized by the Federal Election Commission in 1996 |
| Policy Positions | Supports repealing the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Amendments; advocates for voluntary state membership in the Union; seeks to phase out social security; wants to reduce federal government power and replace income tax with tariffs and excise taxes |
| Registration Requirements | Local branches must register with the FEC when active in federal elections, but not required if only active in state or local elections |
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What You'll Learn
Understand the party's values
The Constitution Party is a conservative political party that 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 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 2012 platform called for the phasing out of social security, and its 2016 platform stated that "Social Security is a form of individual welfare not authorized in the Constitution". The party also wants to reduce the role of the federal government by cutting bureaucratic regulation and spending, and replacing the income tax with a tariff-based revenue system supplemented by excise taxes. The party holds that each state's membership in the Union is voluntary, a stance known as the compact theory.
The Constitution Party has seen some success in elections, with Greg Moeller becoming the first member of the party to win a partisan election in 2002. In 2006, Rick Jore became the first Constitution Party candidate to be elected to a state legislature. In 2010, the party's affiliate in Colorado, the American Constitution Party, gave its gubernatorial nomination to Tom Tancredo, who received over 36% of the popular vote. As of June 2024, the party has 28 members who have been elected to city council seats and other municipal offices across the United States, and it ranks fifth among national parties in terms of registered members.
The Constitution Party has experienced some divisions, with a schism occurring in 2000 over the issue of religion, and the Oregon branch disaffiliating in 2006 due to disagreements about abortion policy. Despite these challenges, the party continues to be a recognized political force, advocating for its interpretation of the Constitution and the principles it believes were set forth in the nation's founding documents.
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Register with the FEC
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) officially recognized the US Constitution Party in 1996. If you are forming a new national or state political party organization, you must register with the FEC when you raise or spend money over certain thresholds in connection with a federal election. Local branches of existing political parties must also register with the FEC when they raise or spend money over certain thresholds in connection with a federal election. However, if a party organization will be active only in state or local elections, it does not need to register with the FEC. When a local party organization is required to register with the FEC, it becomes a local party committee, which is presumed to be affiliated with the other federal party committees in its state.
Before registering with the FEC, you must submit your party's constitution as part of your application. This written document should set out the structure and organization of the party, including arrangements for governance and rules for carrying out its business. The constitution must demonstrate that the party can comply with the Political Parties, Elections, and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA). It is possible that your party's constitution will comprise more than one document. For example, your party may have a set of Rules and Standing Orders for meetings. Any document that determines the party's structure and organization will be part of the party's constitution under PPERA and must be provided as part of the application.
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Write a party constitution
When writing a party constitution, it is important to include sufficient information about the structure and organisation of the party. This includes details of how company registration impacts or interacts with the party's structure and organisation, which should also be reflected in the party's financial scheme. The constitution should also include a reference to an intention to contest elections and the type of elections, such as UK Parliamentary general elections.
Additionally, the constitution should outline the candidate selection process, or at least state that the party will have one. It should also specify the structure of the party, including the responsibilities of party officers, the terms of office, and the procedure for changing those officers. The constitution must comply with equalities law and should not discriminate against persons with protected characteristics from becoming party members.
It is worth noting that minor parties are not required to have a constitution or submit one as part of their application. However, for larger parties, ensuring that the constitution is lawful and compliant with equalities law is crucial for a successful application. The guidance for political parties produced by the Equality and Human Rights Commission can be referenced for further clarification.
Overall, a well-written party constitution provides a clear framework for the party's organisation, structure, and financial management, while also outlining its intentions to contest elections and adhere to equalities law.
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Gain recognition
To gain recognition for a political party in the United States, there are a number of steps that must be taken. Firstly, it is important to note that the requirements may differ depending on whether the party seeks national or state recognition. For a national party, recognition by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) is required. This involves registering with the FEC when the party raises or spends money over certain thresholds in connection with a federal election. The FEC will then determine if the party has demonstrated enough national activity to qualify as a national party committee.
For a state-level party, the process may vary depending on the specific state's requirements. However, in general, the party must register with the appropriate state government office, typically the Secretary of State's office. The specific requirements and processes for registration will differ from state to state.
In addition to legal recognition, a political party also needs to gain recognition among the public and build a base of supporters. This can be achieved through a variety of means, including grassroots organizing, media appearances, and social media campaigns. It is important for the party to clearly communicate its platform and values to attract like-minded individuals and build a strong and dedicated membership base.
The Constitution Party, founded by Howard Phillips, has achieved some level of recognition in the United States. The party has FEC-recognized national party status and was ranked as the fifth-largest political party in the country as of 2019. 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, and the Bible. As of June 2024, the party had 28 members elected to city council seats and other municipal offices across the country.
To further increase recognition and influence, the Constitution Party has participated in various elections. During the 2010 Colorado gubernatorial election, the party's affiliate in Colorado, the American Constitution Party, gained major party status in the state by receiving over 36% of the popular vote for its candidate, Tom Tancredo. Additionally, in 2006, Greg Moeller became the first member of the Constitution Party to win a partisan election as a Scott Township Trustee in Hamilton County, Iowa.
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Recruit members
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. As of 2024, it is the fifth-largest party in terms of registered members and has 28 members elected to city council seats and other municipal offices across the country.
To recruit members for the Constitution Party, here are some strategies to consider:
- Clarify the Party's Values and Principles: The Constitution Party has a unique set of values that differentiate it from other political parties. Emphasize the party's commitment to restoring the Federal Government to the Constitution's provisions, supporting individual freedoms, and limiting the role of the federal government. This distinct platform can attract individuals who strongly align with these values.
- Target States with Strong Party Presence: Focus recruitment efforts on states where the Constitution Party has already established a significant presence or has achieved major party status, such as Minnesota, Colorado, and Oregon. Targeting these states can leverage the party's existing momentum and make it easier to attract new members who align with the party's values.
- Utilize Online and Social Media Platforms: Create a strong online presence for the party by utilizing websites, social media, and digital marketing strategies. Share informative content, videos, and testimonials that highlight the party's achievements and values. Engage with potential members through online discussions and provide them with resources to learn more about the party's platform.
- Host Informational Events and Debates: Organize local events, workshops, and debates to engage with potential members and educate them about the party's platform. Invite existing party members, local leaders, and experts to speak at these events, fostering a sense of community and providing first-hand accounts of the party's impact.
- Encourage Grassroots Activism: Empower current members to become advocates for the party at the grassroots level. Encourage them to engage in door-to-door campaigns, distribute informative pamphlets, and participate in local community events to spread awareness about the party's values and achievements. Word-of-mouth advocacy can be a powerful tool for recruiting new members.
- Collaborate with Like-Minded Organizations: Identify and collaborate with local organizations, community groups, or clubs that share similar values and principles. By partnering with these groups, you can tap into an existing network of individuals who may be receptive to the Constitution Party's message. Collaborating on projects or events can help expand the party's reach and attract new members.
Remember, effective recruitment involves not only spreading awareness about the party but also fostering a sense of community and engagement among potential members. Provide avenues for interested individuals to get involved, ask questions, and actively participate in the party's activities and events.
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