Omar Bennett
The Constitution Party, formerly known as the U.S. Taxpayers' Party, is an ultra-conservative political party in the United States. The party was founded by conservative activist Howard Phillips in 1992 in response to President George H.W. Bush's violation of his pledge not to raise taxes. The Constitution Party's platform is based on a strict interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing limited government, states' rights, and conservative Christian values. The party promotes a return to the gold standard, opposes abortion and euthanasia, and supports the right to bear arms and the death penalty.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Party name | U.S. Taxpayers' Party (until 1999) |
| Ultra-conservative political party | Yes |
| Based on originalist interpretations of the Constitution | Yes |
| Shaped by principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the Bible | Yes |
| Founded by Howard Phillips | Yes |
| Supports the right to keep and bear arms | Yes |
| Opposes abortion | Yes |
| Supports the death penalty | Yes |
| Opposes same-sex marriage | Yes |
| Supports limited government | Yes |
| Opposes global governance structures and agreements | Yes |
| Opposes federal income tax | Yes |
| Opposes euthanasia and suicide | Yes |
| Emphasizes states' rights | Yes |
| Opposes raising the minimum wage | Yes |
| Opposes foreign alliances and treaties | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
The Constitution Party was formerly known as the U.S. Taxpayers' Party
The Constitution Party is an ultra-conservative political party in the United States. It is rooted in Christian values and promotes a religiously conservative interpretation of the principles and intents of the United States Constitution. The party was founded by conservative activist Howard Phillips in 1992, in response to President George H. W. Bush's violation of his pledge "read my lips: no new taxes". The party was originally formed as a loose coalition of independents from various states and was named the U.S. Taxpayers' Party (USTP) until 1999.
The Constitution 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 believes in limited government, states' rights, and a strict constructionist view of constitutional interpretation. It calls for a reduction in government size and spending and advocates for a balanced budget and the elimination of federal programs that it deems unconstitutional.
The Constitution Party also emphasizes the Tenth Amendment, believing in a significant devolution of power to the states. It opposes global governance structures and agreements that it argues undermine U.S. national sovereignty. The party also calls for the abolition of the Department of Energy and the repeal of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Amendments, which allow for the taxation of income and the direct election of Senators, respectively.
In terms of social issues, the Constitution Party opposes abortion, euthanasia, suicide, and abortion, including in cases of rape and incest. It strongly supports the right to keep and bear arms and believes in the right of states to administer the death penalty. The party also opposes any government legislation that contradicts the Bible's definition of marriage.
The Constitution Party is the fifth-largest political party in the United States and has yet to achieve major electoral success. However, it remains a notable entity in American politics, offering an alternative for conservatives and independents who feel that other conservative parties do not fully reflect their values and views.
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The party is ultra-conservative and Christian
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 a strict interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Bible. The 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 Constitution Party's beliefs and policies are deeply rooted in Christian values. In its party preamble, the Constitution Party declares its Christianity explicitly, naming Jesus Christ as the "Creator, Preserver and Ruler of the Universe and of these United States." The party cites the Bible as the source of Americans' inherent rights and views the United States as a republic "rooted in Biblical law." This translates to a belief in jurisprudence rooted in Biblical foundations.
The party's Christian values influence its stance on various social issues. For example, the party opposes abortion, euthanasia, and suicide, advocating for the protection of life from conception. It also opposes government legislation that contradicts the Bible's definition of marriage. The party supports the right of states to administer the death penalty and strongly advocates for the right to keep and bear arms.
The Constitution Party's Christian and conservative nature is reflected in its support for limited government and states' rights. The party emphasizes the Tenth Amendment, believing in a significant devolution of power to the states. It opposes federal government overreach and calls for the repeal of the Seventeenth Amendment to restore the role of the Senate as representatives of state governments. The party also supports national sovereignty, opposing global governance structures and foreign alliances that might commit the U.S. to foreign wars.
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It promotes a strict interpretation of the US Constitution
The Constitution Party, formerly known as the U.S. Taxpayers' Party, is an ultra-conservative political party in the United States. It promotes a strict interpretation of the US Constitution, emphasizing limited government, states' rights, and a constructionist view of constitutional interpretation. The party's platform is based on originalist interpretations of the Constitution and shaped by principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the Bible.
The Constitution Party advocates for a reduction in government size and spending, calling for a balanced budget and the elimination of federal programs that they deem unconstitutional. They emphasize the Tenth Amendment, which states that any powers not specifically granted to the national government are reserved for the states or citizens. According to the party, the federal government should not interfere in state affairs, and each state's membership in the Union is voluntary.
In terms of social issues, the Constitution Party opposes abortion, euthanasia, suicide, and same-sex marriage. The party supports the right of states to administer the death penalty and strongly advocates for the right to keep and bear arms. The party's platform is rooted in conservative Christian values, and it identifies as a Christian party. It cites the Bible as the founding source of Americans' inherent rights and views the United States as a republic "rooted in Biblical law."
The Constitution Party also takes a non-interventionist stance in foreign policy, opposing foreign alliances and treaties that could commit the US to foreign wars. It opposes the US's membership in the United Nations and other world government organizations, arguing that they undermine US national sovereignty. The party also calls for energy independence and the abolition of the Department of Energy.
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The party supports states' rights and opposes global governance
The Constitution Party, also known as the "State's Rights Party," firmly upholds the principle of states' rights and sovereignty, believing that the individual states should possess greater autonomy and authority over their governance. This stance is rooted in a commitment to limited federal government and a strict interpretation of the United States Constitution. According to the party's ideology, states' rights are essential to preserving freedom and ensuring that decisions are made closer to the people, thus reflecting local values and priorities. By empowering state and local governments, the Constitution Party aims to promote accountability and responsiveness in governance.
A key aspect of the party's support for states' rights is their opposition to what they perceive as an overreaching federal government. They argue that the concentration of power in the central government undermines the founding principles of the nation and threatens individual liberties. As such, they advocate for a return to a more decentralized form of governance, with states retaining a strong role in shaping policies that affect their citizens directly. This includes areas such as education, healthcare, and economic regulation, where the party believes that state and local governments are better positioned to understand and address the unique needs and challenges of their respective communities.
In addition to its stance on states' rights, the Constitution Party is firmly opposed to global governance and what it sees as the erosion of national sovereignty. They believe that globalist institutions and agreements often infringe upon the independence and self-governance of nations, ultimately undermining the freedoms and cultural identities of the people they represent. The party advocates for a foreign policy that prioritizes national independence and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. This includes skepticism towards international organizations and treaties that may supersede or conflict with the laws and interests of individual nations.
The Constitution Party's opposition to global governance is also rooted in a belief in the importance of national borders and cultural integrity. They argue that globalist policies often lead to a homogenization of cultures and a loss of unique national identities. By prioritizing local control and sovereignty, the party aims to protect the traditions and values that they believe are fundamental to a strong and distinct national character. This stance reflects a desire to preserve the independence and self-determination of nations, ensuring that decisions affecting a country are made by its own citizens and representatives.
Furthermore, the Constitution Party's stance on global governance is closely linked to its economic views. They oppose what they see as the negative impacts of globalism on domestic economies, including the loss of jobs and the erosion of local industries. By promoting economic nationalism and protectionist policies, the party aims to shield domestic industries and workers from foreign competition, ensuring that economic benefits remain within the country. This approach is designed to foster economic independence and self-sufficiency, which the party believes are crucial for maintaining a strong and stable nation.
In conclusion, the Constitution Party's support for states' rights and opposition to global governance are fundamental aspects of its political ideology. By empowering state and local governments, the party seeks to uphold the principles of limited federal government and protect the freedoms and cultural identities of the people they represent. Their stance on global governance is driven by a desire to preserve national sovereignty, independence, and cultural integrity, while also ensuring economic prosperity and self-sufficiency. These positions reflect a consistent theme of decentralization and local control, which the Constitution Party believes are essential for a strong and prosperous nation.
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It is against federal income tax and raising the minimum wage
The Constitution Party, formerly known as the U.S. Taxpayers' Party, is an ultra-conservative political party in the United States. It was founded by conservative activist Howard Phillips in response to President George H. W. Bush's violation of his pledge "read my lips: no new taxes". The party's platform is based on originalist and conservative interpretations of the Constitution, as well as principles from the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Bible.
The Constitution Party takes a firm stance against federal income tax and raising the minimum wage. They view these concepts as examples of federal government overreach. In its 2012-2016 platform, the party called for a repeal of the Sixteenth Amendment, which allows Congress to tax income derived from interest, dividends, and capital gains. Instead, they proposed a tariff-based revenue system supplemented by excise taxes. This aligns with their belief in limited government and fiscal responsibility, advocating for a reduction in government size and spending.
The party also opposes any form of global governance or foreign alliances that might commit the United States to foreign wars. They demand that all U.S. wars receive an official declaration of war by Congress before any fighting commences. In addition, the Constitution Party supports states' rights and emphasizes the Tenth Amendment, believing in a significant devolution of power to the states. They argue that the federal government should not mandate policies in areas such as education, healthcare, and housing, which should be left to the states.
The Constitution Party has yet to achieve significant electoral success but remains a notable presence in American politics. It offers an alternative for conservatives and independents who feel that other conservative parties do not fully reflect their values and views. The party's candidates in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 presidential elections were Chuck Baldwin, Virgil Goode, and Darrell Castle, respectively.
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Frequently asked questions
The Constitution Party was originally named the U.S. Taxpayers' Party until 1999.
The Constitution Party's platform is rooted in conservative Christian values and a strict constructionist view of constitutional interpretation. The party advocates for limited government, states' rights, and individual liberties.
The Constitution Party positions itself as more conservative than the Republican Party and has starkly different views from the Democratic Party. It advocates for limited government and individual liberties but diverges from the Libertarian Party on social issues.
