
The Constitution Party, previously known as the U.S. Taxpayers' Party, is an ultra-conservative political party in the United States. It is the fifth-largest political party in the country and promotes a religiously conservative interpretation of the principles and intents of the United States Constitution. The party's platform includes a focus on traditional family values, opposing same-sex marriage, abortion, and gun control policies. The Constitution Party also emphasizes limited government, states' rights, and a strict constructionist view of constitutional interpretation. It believes in a significant devolution of power to the states and opposes global governance structures that it perceives as undermining U.S. sovereignty. The party has yet to achieve major electoral success but remains a steadfast presence in American politics, representing a constituency that advocates for a stricter adherence to the Constitution and a return to foundational American values.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ultra-conservative political party | Opposition to abortion, same-sex marriage, and other policies that they perceive as contrary to Judeo-Christian values |
| Religiously conservative interpretation of the principles and intents of the United States Constitution | Support for the right to keep and bear arms |
| Believes in a significant devolution of power to the states | Opposition to global governance structures and agreements that undermine U.S. sovereignty |
| Emphasizes limited government, states' rights, and a strict constructionist view of constitutional interpretation | Support for a return to constitutional governance |
| Ranked fifth among national parties in the United States | Support for a powerful national defense and a strong military |
| Support for religious freedom |
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What You'll Learn
- The Constitution Party is an ultra-conservative party that promotes a strict interpretation of the US Constitution
- It is the fifth-largest political party in the US and was founded by Howard Phillips
- The party supports traditional family values and opposes same-sex marriage and abortion
- It emphasizes limited government, states' rights, and individual freedoms
- The Constitution Party is a proponent of religious freedom and the right to bear arms

The Constitution Party is an ultra-conservative party that promotes a strict interpretation of the US Constitution
The Constitution 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 was founded by conservative activist Howard Phillips in response to President George H. W. Bush's decision to raise taxes, despite his pledge of "read my lips: no new taxes".
The Constitution Party's platform is based on originalist interpretations of the Constitution, as well as principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Bible. The party believes that the proper role of government is to protect the unalienable rights bestowed upon Man by the Creator, including the right to life, liberty, and private property. They oppose abortion, arguing that all humans have the basic right to life from conception until death. Additionally, they strongly support the right to keep and bear arms, as outlined in the Second Amendment.
The Constitution Party calls for the defunding and dismantling of unconstitutionally-authorized federal agencies and departments, and seeks to repeal the 16th Amendment to return to a constitutionally-authorized means of funding the government. They also advocate for a repeal of the 17th Amendment to restore the role of the Senate as representatives of state governments. In terms of national sovereignty, the party opposes global governance structures and agreements that they believe undermine US sovereignty, such as the United Nations and international trade agreements.
The Constitution Party has yet to achieve major electoral success, but it has a presence in American politics. As of September 2019, it was a ballot-qualified party in 14 states, and as of June 2024, the party had 28 members elected to city council seats and other municipal offices across the country. The party has fielded candidates for various offices, including Howard Phillips, Michael Peroutka, Chuck Baldwin, and Darrell Castle, who ran for president in 1992, 2004, 2008, and 2016, respectively.
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It is the fifth-largest political party in the US and was founded by Howard Phillips
The Constitution Party is a minor political party in the United States. It is the fifth-largest political party in the US and was founded by Howard Phillips, a conservative activist, in 1992. The party was established as the U.S. Taxpayers' Party, and its platform is based on originalist interpretations of the US Constitution, shaped by principles set forth in the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, and the Bible.
The Constitution Party promotes a religiously conservative interpretation of the US Constitution and believes in limited government, states' rights, and a strict constructionist view of constitutional interpretation. They oppose global governance structures and agreements that they argue undermine US sovereignty, such as the United Nations or international trade agreements. The party also emphasizes traditional family values, opposing same-sex marriage and other policies that they perceive as contrary to Judeo-Christian values.
The Constitution Party has yet to achieve major electoral success, but it has a steadfast presence in American politics. As of September 2019, it was a ballot-qualified party in 14 states, and as of June 2024, the party had 28 members elected to city council seats and other municipal offices across the US. The party has fielded candidates for various offices, including Howard Phillips, who ran for president as the Constitution Party candidate in 1992, 1996, and 2000.
The Constitution Party's role in shaping debates on constitutional interpretation and conservative policies underscores the diversity of the US political system, offering an alternative to the dominant Republican and Democratic parties.
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The party supports traditional family values and opposes same-sex marriage and abortion
The Constitution 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 "no new taxes" pledge. The party promotes a religiously conservative interpretation of the United States Constitution and believes in the primacy of individual, family, local, state, and federal governments, in that order.
The Constitution Party strongly supports traditional family values and opposes same-sex marriage and abortion. According to the party's platform, the marriage covenant is the foundation of a stable family and social order. They believe that marriage should be defined solely by the Biblical standard as the union between one man and one woman. The party rejects the idea that homosexuals, transgender individuals, or those with different sexual orientations deserve legal favour or special protection. It also opposes abortion in all circumstances, including cases of rape and incest, and considers abortion a form of violence against the unborn child. The party affirms the legal personhood of all human beings from fertilization to natural death and believes that abortion violates the unalienable right to life.
The party's stance on these issues has led to some internal divisions and disaffiliation by certain state chapters, such as the Constitution Party of Oregon in 2006, due to disagreements over abortion policy. The party has also faced criticism and been described as a spoiler for the Republican Party. Despite this, the Constitution Party has achieved some electoral success, with members elected to various municipal and state-level positions across the United States.
The Constitution Party's opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion rights is rooted in its interpretation of religious teachings and its belief in limited government intervention. The party seeks to uphold what it considers traditional values and moral standards, as outlined in religious texts like the Bible, and opposes any government legislation that contradicts these interpretations. This stance aligns with its broader goal of limiting the federal government's influence and restoring power to local and state governments.
While the Constitution Party has a consistent record of opposing same-sex marriage and abortion, it has faced challenges in gaining widespread support and influence due to its ultra-conservative positions. The party's platform appeals to a specific segment of the electorate that strongly aligns with its religious and social values. However, its opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion rights has also led to internal divisions and disaffiliation, highlighting the complex nature of these issues within the party and the broader American political landscape.
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It emphasizes limited government, states' rights, and individual freedoms
The Constitution Party is a political party in the United States that falls under the category of a minor party, distinct from the two dominant parties, the Democrats and Republicans. The party's platform is rooted in conservative and libertarian principles, with a strong emphasis on promoting limited government, upholding states' rights, and protecting individual freedoms. By prioritizing limited government, the Constitution Party advocates for a return to a stricter interpretation of the U.S. Constitution and a reduction in the size and scope of federal government power. They believe in limiting the role of the federal government to those powers specifically enumerated in the Constitution, with all non-delegated powers being reserved for the states or the people, as outlined in the Tenth Amendment. This stance reflects a desire to promote individual liberty and state autonomy, minimizing government interference in the lives of citizens.
When it comes to states' rights, the Constitution Party firmly believes in empowering individual states to make their own decisions and create laws that reflect the unique values and needs of their respective populations. They oppose federal overreach and seek to restore a balance between state and federal authority, as they interpret it was originally intended by the Founding Fathers. This stance gives states greater flexibility and autonomy in areas such as education, healthcare, and economic policy. The party also strongly emphasizes protecting individual freedoms and civil liberties. This includes support for the right to keep and bear arms, freedom of speech and religion, and privacy rights. They oppose what they perceive as government intrusion into personal matters and believe in minimizing the government's role in regulating social issues.
The Constitution Party's emphasis on limited government and states' rights is coupled with a commitment to fiscal responsibility. They advocate for lower taxes, reduced government spending, and a balanced federal budget. The party believes that individuals and private businesses, rather than the government, are the primary drivers of economic growth and prosperity. By reducing the size and scope of government, they argue, there will be more resources and freedom for individuals and businesses to thrive. This economic philosophy aligns with classical liberal and libertarian ideals, emphasizing personal responsibility and free-market principles.
In addition to its core principles of limited government, states' rights, and individual freedoms, the Constitution Party also holds socially conservative views on certain issues. For example, they oppose abortion, believing in the sanctity of human life from conception. They also support traditional marriage between a man and a woman and promote what they see as traditional family values. While these stances might not align with all Americans' beliefs, the party's overall focus on limited government and personal freedoms allows for a diverse range of opinions within its ranks. The Constitution Party's platform attracts voters who feel disenfranchised by the political establishment and yearn for a return to what they interpret as the founding principles of the nation.
In summary, the Constitution Party's emphasis on limited government, states' rights, and individual freedoms sets it apart as a minor party with a distinct ideological stance. By prioritizing these principles, the party offers a different vision for the country, one that harkens back to a more decentralized and libertarian interpretation of the Constitution. While the party may not have the same level of influence and power as the major parties, its presence in American politics provides a voice for those who seek a reduction in federal authority and a reinforcement of personal liberties. The Constitution Party's platform serves as a reminder of the diverse and multifaceted nature of political ideology in the United States, where minor parties play a crucial role in shaping the national discourse and representing the views of a significant portion of the electorate.
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The Constitution Party is a proponent of religious freedom and the right to bear arms
The Constitution Party is a minor, ultra-conservative political party in the United States. It 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 is rooted in originalist interpretations of the Constitution and is guided by principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the Bible.
The Constitution Party is a staunch proponent of religious freedom. In fact, in 2000, the party experienced a schism when members who advocated for an explicitly religious party left to form the Christian Liberty Party, then known as the American Heritage Party. The Constitution Party's interpretation of religious freedom aligns with the historic understanding of this concept in the United States. This interpretation emphasizes the role of religion in the public sphere and views religious liberty as a fundamental right protected by the First Amendment.
The party also strongly supports the right to bear arms, as outlined in the Second Amendment. This right is considered integral to the security of a free state.
The Constitution Party's platform reflects a commitment to limiting the federal government and promoting broad individual freedoms, including the freedom to practice one's religion without government interference and the right to bear arms. As of 2024, the party had 28 members elected to city council seats and other municipal offices across the United States, and it ranked fifth among national parties in terms of registered members.
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Frequently asked questions
The Constitution Party, formerly known as the U.S. Taxpayers' Party, is an ultra-conservative political party in the United States. The party advocates for a strict interpretation of the U.S. Constitution and promotes limited government, states' rights, and conservative values.
The Constitution Party believes in a significant devolution of power to the states and opposes global governance structures that they argue undermine U.S. sovereignty. They also emphasize traditional family values and oppose same-sex marriage and abortion. The party supports the right to keep and bear arms and values religious freedom.
The Constitution Party is often positioned as more conservative than the Republican Party, criticizing them for their perceived compromises on spending, abortion, and gun rights. While the Constitution Party has not achieved major electoral success, it remains a presence in American politics, representing a constituency that yearns for a stricter adherence to the Constitution.

























