Malcolm Rivera
The Constitution Party is a political party in the United States that promotes a religiously conservative interpretation of the principles and intents of the United States Constitution. The party was founded by Howard Phillips, a conservative activist, in 1992 as the U.S. Taxpayers Party. The Constitution Party's platform is heavily influenced by conservative Christian values, which has led to it taking strict positions on social issues like abortion and same-sex marriage. The party's focus on constitutional fidelity and conservative values has resulted in it being labelled as ultra-conservative. However, some argue that the party's principles are not conservative or liberal, but rather correct, as they are based on the Constitution and Declaration of Independence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Political leanings | Ultra-conservative |
| Founding principles | To restore the Federal Government to the Constitution's provisions |
| Founding year | 1992 |
| Founder | Howard Phillips |
| Founding name | U.S. Taxpayers' Party |
| Current status | Ballot-qualified party in 14 states |
| Position on abortion | Anti-abortion |
| Position on same-sex marriage | Opposed |
| Position on immigration | Supports a moratorium on immigration |
| Position on welfare programs | Supports the abolition of all welfare programs |
| Position on LGBTQ+ rights | Opposed |
| Position on government | Limited government |
| Position on military | Concentrate on protecting coasts and borders |
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What You'll Learn
The Constitution Party's stance on abortion
The Constitution Party is an ultra-conservative political party in the United States. The party's stance on abortion is informed by its interpretation of the Constitution and the Bible.
The party's platform states that abortion is a violation of the "unalienable right to life" and that the legalisation of abortion is a direct violation of this right. The party affirms the "God-given legal personhood" of all unborn human beings, from "fertilisation to natural death", and opposes abortion under any circumstances, including in cases of rape and incest. The party also opposes the distribution and use of abortifacients, or any drugs that induce abortion.
The Constitution Party believes that the first duty of the law is to prevent the "shedding of innocent blood" and to secure and safeguard the lives of the "pre-born". The party interprets the Constitution as forbidding the federal government from funding or supporting any entity that advocates for abortion.
In 2006, the Constitution Party of Oregon disaffiliated with the national Constitution Party due to disagreements over abortion policy. The Oregon branch gave its presidential nomination to a candidate who did not adhere to the anti-abortion stance of the national party. This highlights a level of variation in the abortion policies supported by different state-level branches of the Constitution Party.
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The party's position on LGBTQ+ rights
The Constitution Party, previously 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 shaped by principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the Bible.
While the party's official position on LGBTQ+ rights is not publicly available, the party's religious conservative nature and its members' actions indicate a stance that is unlikely to be supportive of LGBTQ+ rights.
In 2000, a schism occurred within the party, with members who advocated for an explicitly religious party leaving to form the Christian Liberty Party (formerly known as the American Heritage Party). This indicates a strong religious influence within the party, which often correlates with opposition to LGBTQ+ rights.
Additionally, the Constitution Party of Oregon disaffiliated with the national party in 2006 due to disagreements over abortion policy, further highlighting the party's conservative social stance.
The party has also attracted individuals with anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments, such as Rick Jore, a former Republican who joined the Constitution Party in 2000. Jore has expressed anti-LGBTQ+ views, referring to gay individuals as "criminals" and "sodomites." He has also stated his opposition to protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination, demonstrating intolerance towards the community.
Overall, while the Constitution Party's official platform on LGBTQ+ rights is not available, the party's conservative nature, religious influence, and the actions of its members suggest a stance that is likely unsupportive of LGBTQ+ rights and may even promote discrimination against the community.
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How the Constitution Party compares to the Republican Party
The Constitution Party, previously known as the U.S. Taxpayers' Party, is an ultra-conservative political party in the United States. It was founded by Howard Phillips, a conservative activist, in 1992 after he left the Republican Party in 1974, believing it to be insufficiently conservative. The Constitution Party's platform is based on originalist interpretations of the Constitution and is shaped by principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the Bible. The party promotes a religiously conservative interpretation of these documents and aims to limit the federal government to its enumerated powers.
The Constitution Party differs from the Republican Party in several ways. Firstly, the Constitution Party places a stronger emphasis on constitutional fidelity and conservative values, often criticising Republicans for compromising on issues like limited government, states' rights, and strict interpretation of the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution Party's conservative Christian values influence its stance on social issues like abortion and same-sex marriage, which differ significantly from the more progressive positions of the Republican Party.
In terms of civil liberties, both parties value their protection, but their motivations and interpretations differ. The Constitution Party prioritises states' rights and limited government, generally opposing federal regulations, including those related to environmental issues. In contrast, the Republican Party has been criticised by the Constitution Party for expanding government, particularly through military growth. The Constitution Party advocates for a military focused on protecting coasts and borders rather than waging wars overseas.
Additionally, the Constitution Party has a different approach to spending compared to the Republican Party. They believe that the Constitution does not permit Congress to spend on special interests, whereas the Republican Party is often influenced by special interest groups. The Constitution Party also differs from the Republican Party in terms of ideological commitment. While the Constitution Party adheres strongly to constitutional principles and conservative values, the Republican Party has been criticised for not truly advancing the cause of limited government.
In summary, the Constitution Party and the Republican Party differ in their emphasis on constitutional fidelity, conservative values, social issues, civil liberties, environmental policies, spending, and ideological commitment. The Constitution Party takes a more conservative and religiously influenced approach, while the Republican Party has been perceived as compromising on certain issues and expanding government power.
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The party's views on civil liberties
The Constitution Party is a conservative political party in the United States. The party's platform is based on originalist interpretations of the US Constitution and is shaped by principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Bible.
The party was founded by Howard Phillips, a conservative activist, in 1992 as the US Taxpayers' Party. Phillips left the Republican Party in 1974, believing it was insufficiently conservative. The Constitution Party advocates for limited government, states' rights, and a strict interpretation of the US Constitution. They oppose federal environmental regulations, believing that they are an overreach of government power. The party also takes conservative stances on social issues, such as abortion and same-sex marriage, reflecting their conservative Christian values.
The Constitution Party's views on civil liberties are shaped by their interpretation of the US Constitution and their commitment to limited government. They believe that the Constitution does not permit Congress to spend for special interests and have criticized both the Republican and Democratic parties for their failure to rein in spending. The party emphasizes states' rights and opposes federal environmental regulations, arguing that these issues are best left to the states to decide.
On social issues, the Constitution Party's platform is heavily influenced by conservative Christian values. They oppose abortion and same-sex marriage, arguing that these positions are consistent with the US Constitution and the principles of limited government. The party's 2000 platform stated that "Roe v. Wade is illegitimate, contrary to the law of the nation's Charter and Constitution. It must be resisted by all civil government officials, federal, state, and local, and by all branches of the government—legislative, executive, and judicial."
While the Constitution Party prioritizes limited government and states' rights, it is important to note that their interpretation of civil liberties is shaped by their conservative Christian values. This has led to criticism from those who believe that the party's positions on social issues, such as abortion and same-sex marriage, restrict the individual freedoms and civil liberties of certain groups.
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The Constitution Party's environmental policies
The Constitution Party is an ultra-conservative political party in the United States, founded by conservative activist Howard Phillips. The party's ideology is based on strict originalist interpretations of the US Constitution, and it seeks to limit the federal government to its delegated, enumerated, and Constitutional functions.
The party's stance on environmental issues aligns with its broader philosophy of limited government intervention and the protection of individual freedoms. They believe that environmental regulations and international agreements infringe upon private property rights and hinder economic growth.
While the Constitution Party does not have a detailed plan for environmental protection, they emphasize the importance of states' rights and local control over natural resources. They argue that individual states and communities should have the autonomy to make decisions regarding land use and environmental preservation, free from federal oversight or international obligations.
In terms of specific policies, the Constitution Party has expressed support for congestion pricing as a market-based solution to reduce traffic congestion and pollution in high-traffic areas. This approach aligns with their economic philosophy of free-market capitalism and their belief in the efficiency of market mechanisms.
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Frequently asked questions
The Constitution Party, previously known as the U.S. Taxpayers' Party, is an ultra-conservative political party in the United States.
The Constitution Party promotes a religiously conservative interpretation of the principles and intents of the United States Constitution. The party's platform is based on originalist interpretations of the Constitution and is shaped by principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the Bible.
The Constitution Party differs from both the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. It emphasizes limited government, states' rights, and a strict interpretation of the U.S. Constitution. The party also takes conservative stances on social issues, such as abortion and same-sex marriage, reflecting conservative Christian values.
The Constitution Party opposes abortion and same-sex marriage, reflecting its conservative Christian values. The party also supports a moratorium on immigration and the abolition of welfare programs.
The Constitution Party was founded in 1992 by Howard Phillips, a conservative activist who left the Republican Party in 1974, believing it was insufficiently conservative. The party was formed in response to a perceived shift away from limited government and individual freedoms.
