Malcolm Rivera
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 President George H. W. Bush went back on his pledge not to raise taxes. The party's platform is based on originalist interpretations of the Constitution, with a focus on restoring the Federal Government to the Constitution's provisions and limiting the federal government to its delegated, enumerated, and Constitutional functions. The party has a strong focus on social conservatism, opposing abortion, and promoting traditional family values. It also emphasizes states' rights and sovereignty, non-interventionist foreign policy, and the right to bear arms. While the Constitution Party has yet to achieve major electoral success, it remains a notable entity in American politics, representing a constituency seeking a stricter adherence to the Constitution and a return to foundational American values.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ultra-conservative political party | Originalist interpretations of the Constitution |
| Promotes a religiously conservative interpretation of the principles and intents of the United States Constitution | Shaped by principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the Bible |
| Focus on strict constitutionalist principles | Strong focus on social conservatism |
| Emphasizes limited government, states' rights, and a strict interpretation of the U.S. Constitution | Opposes abortion and promotes traditional family values |
| Opposes global governance structures and agreements that undermine U.S. sovereignty | Opposes same-sex marriage and other policies contrary to Judeo-Christian values |
| Wants to terminate all foreign aid programs | Critiques major parties for failing to represent the interests of the American people |
| Refuses federal funds for presidential campaigns | Committed to building party strength at the state, county, and local levels |
| Supports a moratorium on immigration to the United States | Calls for the abolition of all welfare programs |
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What You'll Learn
The Constitution Party's history as the U.S. Taxpayers' Party
The Constitution Party, initially known as the U.S. Taxpayers Party, was founded in 1992 by Howard Phillips, a conservative political activist. The party's initial focus, as its name suggests, was on taxpayer rights and limiting government taxation and spending. This was a response to the perception that the existing major parties, the Democrats and Republicans, were not doing enough to curb government overreach and fiscal irresponsibility. The party attracted individuals who felt that the Republican Party, in particular, had moved away from its small-government principles, especially during the presidency of George H.W. Bush.
The party's inaugural presidential campaign was in 1992, with Howard Phillips as its candidate. While the party's primary focus was on fiscal conservatism and taxpayer rights, its platform also included socially conservative positions, reflecting Phillips' own strong religious beliefs and values. The party advocated for traditional family values, opposed abortion, and supported prayer in schools and the display of the Ten Commandments in public spaces.
In 1996, the party changed its name to the Constitution Party, a move intended to emphasize its commitment to strict adherence to the U.S. Constitution and to appeal to a broader range of voters concerned about what they saw as the increasing federal overreach and disregard for the founding document. This rebranding also reflected a slight shift in focus, with an increased emphasis on states' rights and sovereignty, and a more explicit call for a return to what they interpreted as the originalist understanding of the Constitution.
As the Constitution Party, they continued to field presidential candidates, including Howard Phillips again in 1996 and 2000, and other candidates in subsequent elections. While the party has never gained significant electoral success in terms of winning major offices, it has influenced the political discourse, particularly around fiscal responsibility, states' rights, and social conservatism. The party has also been involved in various ballot access battles, working to ensure that their candidates have a place on the election ballots across the country.
The party's platform has remained consistent over the years, advocating for limited government, lower taxes, and a strict interpretation of the Constitution. They oppose what they see as federal overreach into areas they believe should be left to the states or to individuals, and they support a strong national defense while being wary of foreign entanglements. Socially, the party maintains its conservative stance, opposing same-sex marriage, supporting gun rights, and advocating for a strong focus on religious values in public life.
Overall, the history of the Constitution Party, formerly the U.S. Taxpayers Party, reflects a consistent commitment to a conservative interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, limited government, and traditional values. While the party may not have gained widespread electoral success, it has contributed to the political dialogue and represented a segment of the population with specific concerns and values.
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The Party's conservative values and constitutional fidelity
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. The party's platform is based on originalist interpretations of the Constitution, advocating for limited government, states' rights, and a strict interpretation of the Constitution. They emphasize the Tenth Amendment, believing in significant devolution of power to the states.
The Constitution Party takes a strong stance on social conservatism, promoting traditional family values and opposing abortion and same-sex marriage. They believe that the federal government should be limited to its Constitutional boundaries and that powers, programs, and revenue sources that have been usurped by the federal government should be restored to the states. This includes stopping all federal expenditures not specifically authorized by the Constitution.
The party also focuses on national sovereignty, opposing global governance structures and agreements that they argue undermine U.S. sovereignty, such as the United Nations or international trade agreements. They want to terminate all foreign aid programs and withdraw the United States from NATO. The Constitution Party's stance on foreign policy includes withdrawing recognition of Communist China, which they describe as a "murderous and tyrannical regime" enslaving the Chinese people.
The party has a strong commitment to constitutional principles and conservative values, often criticizing the Republican Party for its perceived compromises on issues like spending, abortion, and gun rights. They refuse to accept any federal funds for their presidential campaigns. The Constitution Party has fielded candidates for various offices since its founding, although they have struggled to gain visibility compared to larger parties.
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Social issues and traditional family values
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. Phillips had left the Republican Party in 1974, believing it was insufficiently conservative. The Constitution Party's platform is based on originalist and strict interpretations of the Constitution, advocating for limited government and states' rights.
The Constitution Party has a strong focus on social conservatism and promoting traditional family values. This includes opposing abortion, same-sex marriage, and other policies that are perceived as contrary to Judeo-Christian values. The party also supports a moratorium on immigration and calls for the abolition of all welfare programs. They believe in the sanctity of life, with all human life deserving protection under the law, and this belief informs their stance on abortion.
The party's stance on social issues is shaped by its interpretation of the Constitution and the Bible. They believe that the federal government should be limited to its constitutional boundaries and that power should be devolved to the states. This extends to their views on foreign policy, with the party wanting to terminate all foreign aid programs and withdraw the United States from international organizations like NATO.
The Constitution Party's positions on social issues and family values are a key part of its conservative platform and differentiate it from more centrist or reform-oriented parties. The party's commitment to these values has helped it gain support and elect members to city council and other municipal offices across the country.
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The Party's stance on foreign policy and national sovereignty
The Constitution Party, an ultra-conservative political party in the United States, has a distinct stance on foreign policy and national sovereignty. The party's platform is deeply rooted in originalist interpretations of the US Constitution and the principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Bible.
On foreign policy, the Constitution Party advocates for a moratorium on immigration into the United States and the termination of all foreign aid programs, whether military or non-military, to any foreign government or international organization. They also support withdrawing the country from international alliances and agreements that they believe undermine US sovereignty. Specifically, they seek to withdraw from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and revoke recognition of Communist China, which they describe as a "murderous and tyrannical regime."
The party's stance on national sovereignty emphasizes states' rights and a significant devolution of power to the states, as outlined in the Tenth Amendment. They oppose global governance structures and international trade agreements that they perceive as a threat to US sovereignty, including those associated with the United Nations. The Constitution Party's commitment to states' rights and limited government reflects their interpretation of the Constitution's provisions for a restricted federal government with specific and limited powers.
Additionally, the Constitution Party takes a strong stance on social conservatism, promoting traditional family values and opposing policies that contradict their interpretation of Judeo-Christian values. They oppose same-sex marriage, abortion, and welfare programs, advocating for policies aligned with their religious beliefs.
The party's foreign policy and national sovereignty positions reflect their overall commitment to upholding the ideals of the country's founding fathers and restoring civil government to its fundamental principles.
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The Party's presidential candidates and election performance
The Constitution Party, previously known as the U.S. Taxpayers' Party, is an ultra-conservative political party in the United States. It 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 influenced by Christian reconstructionism, which calls for remaking the government and society according to Old Testament Biblical law.
The Constitution Party's founder, Howard Phillips, was the party's first presidential candidate. He ran for president in 1992, 1996, and 2000, advocating for a return to constitutional governance. During the 1992 and 1996 presidential elections, the party initially sought to nominate prominent politicians like Pat Buchanan and Ross Perot but ended up selecting Phillips as their nominee. In 2000, Phillips and his running mate, Curtis Frazier, placed sixth in the general election with 98,027 votes.
In 2004, Michael Peroutka, a former city councilman from Maryland, was the party's presidential candidate. He emphasized the party's stance on the Constitution and states' rights. Peroutka also won the presidential nominations of the American Independent and Alaskan Independence parties.
In 2008, Chuck Baldwin, a pastor and radio host, was the Constitution Party's presidential candidate. His campaign focused on sovereignty, constitutional fidelity, and Christian values.
Darrell Castle was the party's nominee in 2016. Castle's campaign centered on opposition to globalism, promotion of states' rights, and adherence to constitutional principles.
While the Constitution Party has not achieved significant electoral success, it maintains a presence in American politics. As of 2024, it ranked as the fifth-largest political party in the United States, with 28 members elected to city council and other municipal offices across the country. The party has faced challenges, including a schism in 2000 over religious explicitness and disagreements in 2006 with the Oregon branch over abortion policy.
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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 party promotes a religiously conservative interpretation of the United States Constitution and aims to restore the Federal Government to its Constitutional provisions. They advocate for limited government intervention, strict adherence to the Second Amendment, and opposition to globalism and abortion.
The party was founded by Howard Phillips, a conservative activist and originalist, in response to President George H.W. Bush's reversal on his pledge not to raise taxes. Phillips sought to create a platform that strictly adhered to the Constitution.
R. J. Rushdoony, a prominent figure in Christian reconstructionism, helped write the party's 1992 platform. Christian reconstructionism has influenced the party's ideology, calling for a remaking of government and society according to Old Testament Biblical law.
The Constitution Party has yet to achieve significant electoral success, but it has fielded candidates for various offices. Notable candidates include Howard Phillips, Michael Peroutka, and Chuck Baldwin. Greg Moeller became the first member to win a partisan election in 2002, and in 2006, Rick Jore became the first to hold a seat in a state legislature.
