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U.S. Political Parties

The history, mission statements, platforms, and contact information for the current major U.S. political parties are shown below. Political parties were included based on 2004 Presidential election ballot access. Each of the parties below had candidates on the ballot in enough states to have a chance of winning the 270 electoral votes needed to be elected president. Also included is general reference information on the Background of Political Parties in the U.S. and a description of Historical Political Parties in the U.S. such as the Federalist and Whig parties.

Party
(Official 2008 Nominee)
 Year Founded # Registered Members* Party Logo
Party
(Official 2008 Nominee)
 Year Founded # Registered Members* Party Logo
1. Constitution Party
(Chuck Baldwin)		 1992 366,937 4. Libertarian Party 1971 235,500
2. Democratic Party 1792 39,337,282 5. Reform Party 1992 42,376
3. Green Party 1996 289,177 6. Republican Party 1854 30,593,698

*Number of registered members in each party as of Nov. 2006. Data compiled by Ballot Access News (http://www.ballot-access.org/2007/010107.html#11).

Background of Political Parties in the U.S.

"The Constitution makes no provision for political parties. They developed on their own as the country grew, and by the 1830s were an established part of the political environment. Today, the Republicans and Democrats are the two main political parties. Most elected officials serving as president, congressional representative, state governor or state legislator are members of one of these parties. The Republicans and Democrats have dominated American politics since the 1860s, and every president since 1852 has been either a Republican or Democrat."

"Voting and the Election Process," usinfo.state.gov (accessed Dec. 4, 2007)

Political party committees are required to register with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) when they reach certain thresholds for spending or contributions. According to the FEC, "the Commission determines whether committees meet the criteria for state or national party committee status through the advisory opinion process. For state committee status, the Commission has generally looked to see if the committee engages in activities that are commensurate with the day-to-day operations of a party at the state level, and if the committee has gained ballot access for its federal candidates. For national committee status, the criteria include:

  • Nominating qualified candidates for President and various Congressional offices in numerous states;
  • Engaging in certain activities--such as voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives--on an ongoing basis;
  • Publicizing the party's supporters and primary issues throughout the nation;
  • Holding a national convention;
  • Setting up a national office; and
  • Establishing state affiliates."
"Quick Answers to Party Questions," www.fec.gov (accessed Dec. 4, 2007)

1. Constitution Party

366,937 registered members

History
Mission Statement
Platform
Contact Information

History of the Constitution Party

  • In 1992, a coalition of independent state parties united to form the U.S. Taxpayers Party.
  • In 1995, the party became the fifth political party to be formally recognized by the Federal Election Commission as a national political party. In 1996 the party achieved ballot access in 39 states.
  • In 1999, at its national nominating convention for the 2000 elections, convention delegates chose to change the party name to "Constitution Party," believing that the new name better reflected the party’s primary policy approach of enforcing the U.S. Constitution’s provisions and limitations.
  • In November, 2006 the Constitution Party had 193 candidates on the ballot, including 6 U.S. Senate candidates.

Source: "History," Constitution Party website (accessed Nov. 28, 2007)

Mission Statement

"The mission of the Constitution Party is to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity through the election, at all levels of government, of Constitution Party candidates who will uphold the principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. It is our goal to limit the federal government to its delegated, enumerated, Constitutional functions and to restore American jurisprudence to its original Biblical common-law foundations."

"Mission Statement," Constitution Party website (accessed Nov. 28, 2007)

Platform
"The Constitution Party is the only party which is completely:
  • Pro-Life
  • Pro-States’ Rights
  • Pro-Second Amendment
  • Pro-Constitutional, Limited Government
  • Against- illegal immigration and open borders
  • Against- U.S. policy being dictated by the United Nations
  • Against- undeclared unconstitutional wars (such as Iraq and Afghanistan)
  • Against- free trade and all international trade agreements such as NAFTA and GATT"

"Party Platform," Constitution Party website (accessed Nov. 28, 2007)

2004 Constitution Party Platform 123 KB
Contact Information
Phone: 1-800-283-8647 Mailing Address:
Fax: 717-299-5115 Constitution Party
Email: Online contact form 23 North Lime St.
Website: www.constitution-party.net Lancaster, PA 17602

2. Democratic Party

39,337,282 registered members
History
Mission Statement
Platform
Contact Information

History of the Democratic Party

  • Thomas Jefferson founded the Democratic Party in 1792 as a congressional caucus to fight for the Bill of Rights and against the elitist Federalist Party. In 1798, the "party of the common man" was officially named the Democratic-Republican Party, and in 1800 it elected Jefferson as the first Democratic President of the United States.
  • The election of John Quincy Adams in 1824 was highly contested and led to a four-way split among Democratic-Republicans. A result of the split was the emergence of Andrew Jackson as a national leader. The Jacksonian Democrats created the national convention process, the party platform, and reunified the Democratic Party with Jackson's victories in 1828 and 1832.
  • The Party held its first National Convention in 1832. In 1844, the National Convention simplified the Party's name to the Democratic Party. In 1848, the National Convention established the Democratic National Committee, now the longest running political organization in the world.
  • The donkey is the unofficial symbol of the Democratic Party. When Andrew Jackson ran for president in 1828, his opponents tried to label him a "jackass" for his populist views and his slogan, "Let the people rule." Jackson used the donkey on his campaign posters. Thomas Nast, a famous political cartoonist, used the donkey in an 1870 Harper's Weekly cartoon and increased the symbol's popularity.
  • Past Presidents from the Democratic party include Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, James Polk, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan, Grover Cleveland, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, and Bill Clinton.

Source: "Party History," democrats.org (accessed Nov. 28, 2007)

Mission Statement
"The Democratic Party is committed to keeping our nation safe and expanding opportunity for every American. That commitment is reflected in an agenda that emphasizes the security of our nation, strong economic growth, affordable health care for all Americans, retirement security, honest government, and civil rights."

"What We Stand For," democrats.org (accessed Nov. 28, 2007)

Platform
Among the issues addressed in the 2004 Democratic National Platform are:
  • Defeating Terrorism
  • Promoting Democracy, Peace, and Security
  • Strengthening Homeland Security
  • Achieving Energy Independence
  • Creating Good Jobs
  • Reforming Health Care
  • Improving Education
  • Protecting Our Environment

Source: "2004 Party Platform: Strong at Home, Respected in the World," democrats.org (accessed Nov. 28, 2007)

The 2004 Democratic National Platform for America 111 KB
Contact Information
Phone: 202-863-8000 Mailing Address:
Fax: None found Democratic National Committee
Email: Online contact form430 S. Capitol St. SE
Website: democrats.orgWashington, DC 20003

3. Green Party

289,177 registered members
History
Mission Statement
Platform
Contact Information

History of the Green Party

  • The Green Party of the United States began as the Association of State Green Parties. The ASGP was formed after the 1996 elections to fill a void in national Green politics and to help existing state parties develop.
  • The Green Party of the United States was formed in 2001 as a reincarnation of the older Association of State Green Parties (1996-2001).
  • The Green Party of the United States is a federation of state Green Parties.
  • Total States with Green Party Ballot Status: 15 full, 4 partial, 1 minor party, 1 political group

Source: "About," www.gp.org (accessed Nov. 28, 2007)

Mission Statement
"Committed to environmentalism, non-violence, social justice and grassroots organizing, Greens are renewing democracy without the support of corporate donors. The mission of the Green Party of the United States is to build the Green Party into a viable political alternative in the United States."

"About," www.gp.org (accessed Nov. 28, 2007)

Platform
"The Green Platform presents an eco-social analysis and vision for our country. The Green Party is committed to values-based politics, as expressed in our Ten Key Values:
  1. Grassroots Democracy,
  2. Social Justice and Equal Opportunity,
  3. Ecological Wisdom,
  4. Non-violence,
  5. Decentralization,
  6. Community Based Economics,
  7. Feminism and Gender Equality,
  8. Respect for Diversity,
  9. Personal and Global Responsibility,
  10. Future Focus and Sustainability."

"Platform," www.gp.org (accessed Nov. 28, 2007)

Green Party 2004 Platform 111 KB
Contact Information
Phone: 202-319-7191 Mailing Address:
Fax: 202-319-7193 Green Party of the United States
Email: info@gp.orgPO Box 57065
Website: www.gp.orgWashington, DC 20037

4. Libertarian Party

235,500 registered members
History
Mission Statement
Platform
Contact Information

History of the Libertarian Party

  • 1971: The Libertarian Party was founded.
  • 1979: Permanent ballot status achieved in California as more than 80,000 voters register Libertarian.
  • 1988: Ron Paul, on the ballot in 46 states and the District of Columbia, comes in third, receiving more than 430,000 votes nationwide -- almost twice the total of any other 'third' party.
  • 1996: The Libertarian Party becomes the first third party in American history to earn ballot status in all 50 states two presidential elections in a row.
  • 2005: In August the LP transitioned from a members-based organization to a donors-based organization with the passage of the Zero Dues Resolution.
Source: "History," www.lp.org (accessed Dec. 3, 2007)

Mission Statement
"Libertarians believe the answer to America's political problems is the same commitment to freedom that earned America its greatness: a free-market economy and the abundance and prosperity it brings; a dedication to civil liberties and personal freedom that marks this country above all others; and a foreign policy of non-intervention, peace, and free trade as prescribed by America's founders."

"History," www.lp.org (accessed Dec. 3, 2007)

Platform
"We...hold that where governments exist, they must not violate the rights of any individual: namely,

(1) the right to life -- accordingly we support the prohibition of the initiation of physical force against others;
(2) the right to liberty of speech and action -- accordingly we oppose all attempts by government to abridge the freedom of speech and press, as well as government censorship in any form; and
(3) the right to property -- accordingly we oppose all government interference with private property, such as confiscation, nationalization, and eminent domain, and support the prohibition of robbery, trespass, fraud, and misrepresentation."

"Platform," www.lp.org (accessed Dec. 4, 2007)

Libertarian Party 2006 Platform 66 KB
Contact Information
Phone: 1-800-353-2887 Mailing Address:
Fax: None found Libertarian National Committee
Email: info@gp.org2600 Virginia Ave, N.W. Suite 200
Website: www.lp.orgWashington, DC 20037

5. Reform Party of the United States of America

42,376 registered members
History
Mission Statement
Platform
Contact Information

History of the Reform Party of the United States of America

  • Founded by Ross Perot after he ran as an independent candidate in the 1992 presidential election, in which he garnered 19% of the popular vote, or about 19.7 million votes.
  • In 1996, the Reform Party was on the ballot in all 50 states. Ross Perot again ran for president and received about 8.5% of the popular vote.
  • In 1998, Jesse Ventura, a former professional wrestler, was elected Governor of Minnesota as a Reform Party candidate. He left the party in 2000.
  • In 2000, Pat Buchanan left the Republican party to become a member of the Reform party. Despite internal conflict, the party's nomination went to Buchanan, who won .4% of the popular vote.
  • Endorsed Raplph Nader in the 2004 Presidential election.

Source: "Reform Party History," Online NewsHour (accessed Dec. 6, 2007)

Mission Statement
"We, the members of the Reform Party USA, commit ourselves to reform our political system. Together we will work to re-establish trust in our government by electing ethical officials, dedicated to fiscal responsibility and political accountability."

"Mission Statement," reformparty.org (accessed Dec. 6, 2007)

Platform
Among the issues addressed in the Reform Party USA Platform are:
  1. "BUDGET: Enact only economic policies that require fiscal responsibility and accountability;
  2. IMMIGRATION: Use of the National Guard or any branch of our armed forces to help secure and patrol our borders;
  3. CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM: Reform our electoral, lobbying and campaign practices to ensure that our elected officials owe their allegiance to the people whom they are elected to serve;
  4. HEALTH CARE: The Reform Party supports a reform of the health care system that returns control to its citizens. We must return the individual's right to control their own medical and health decisions;
  5. MILITARY AND VETERANS: The Reform Party aspires to policies that would support our veterans so that they can serve and live with dignity without the aid of public assistance."

"Reform Party Platform, reformparty.oprg (accessed Dec. 6, 2007)

Reform Party Platform 64 KB
Contact Information
Phone: 325-672-2575 Mailing Address:
Fax: None found Reform Party of the USA
Email: info@reformparty.orgP.O. Box 3236
Website: reformparty.orgAbilene, TX 79604

6. Republican Party

30,593,698 registered members
History
Mission Statement
Platform
Contact Information

History of the Republican Party

  • On July 6, 1854, in Jackson, Michigan, the Republican Party formally organized itself by holding its first convention, adopting a platform and nominating a full slate of candidates for state offices.
  • In 1860, Abraham Lincoln became the first Republican to win the White House.
  • In 1896, Republicans were the first major party to favor women's suffrage.
  • Discord struck the Republican Party in the 1912 election as Teddy Roosevelt, dissatisfied with President Taft, led his supporters on the "Bull Moose" ticket against the president.
  • Past Presidents from the Republican party include Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses Grant, Rutherford Hayes, James Garfield, Chester Arthur, Benjamin Harrison, William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, William Taft, Warren Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush.
  • The symbol of the Republican Party is the elephant. This symbol of the party was created by cartoonist Thomas Nast and first appeared in Harper's Weekly on November 7, 1874.
  • For a long time Republicans have been known as the "G.O.P." Party faithfuls thought it meant the "Grand Old Party." But apparently the original meaning (in 1875) was "Gallant Old Party."

Source: "GOP History," www.gop.com (accessed Dec. 4, 2007)

Mission Statement
"Republicans have a long and rich history with basic principles: Individuals, not government, can make the best decisions; all people are entitled to equal rights; and decisions are best made close to home."

"GOP History," www.gop.com (accessed Dec. 4, 2007)

Platform
Among the issues addressed in the 2004 Republican Party Platform are:
  • Halting the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction
  • Building a Better World Based on Democratic Governments, Free Markets, and International Compassion
  • Lower Taxes and Economic Growth
  • Enforcing Trade Agreements and Opening New Markets
  • Ensuring an Affordable, Reliable, More Independent Energy Supply
  • Education: No Child Left Behind
  • Promoting Affordable, Accessible Health Care
  • Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
  • Promoting a Culture of Life

Source: "2004 Republican Party Platform: A Safer World and a More Hopeful America," www.gop.com (accessed Dec. 4, 2007)

Republican Party 2004 Platform 277 KB
Contact Information
Phone: 202-863-8500 Mailing Address:
Fax: 202-863-8820 Republican National Committee
Email: info@gop.com310 First Street, SE
Website: www.gop.comWashington, DC 20003

Historical Political Parties in the U.S.

  1. Democratic-Republican Party
    "Early political party in the U.S., originally led by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison; it was the forerunner of the present-day Democratic party, which name it formally adopted in 1828. When the party was originally conceived in the 1790s to oppose the Federalist party, it was known simply as the Republican party (but should not be confused with the modern party of that name). Originally known as the Anti-Federalist party."
    "Democratic-Republican Party," history.com (accessed Dec. 7, 2007)

  2. Federalist Party
    "American political party of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It originated in the groups advocating the creation of a stronger national government after 1781. The Federalist party's early leaders included Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and George Washington. By 1824 the Federalists had ceased to function as an effective political organization."
    "Federalist Party," history.com (accessed Dec. 7, 2007)

  3. Anti-Federalist Party
    Short-lived party organized to oppose the Federalist party; later transitioned into the Democratic-Republican party (current-day Democratic Party). The Anti-federalists' major contribution to U.S. history was pushing for the passage of the Bill of Rights. Major leaders included George Clinton, Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr.

  4. National Republican Party
    "The National Republican Party emerged from…the supporters of the administration of President John Quincy Adams. It controlled the Congress of 1825-1827 only, then lost the Presidency in 1828. The party merged into the Whig Party in 1834."
    "National-Republican Party," ourcampaigns.com (accessed Dec. 7, 2007)

  5. Whig Party
    "The Whig Party formed out of the National Republican Party... The Whigs believed in a 'loose construction' of the Constitution which included supporting big government with a national bank and the congressional regulation of the expansion of slavery. [Later] the Republican Party absorbed anti-slavery Whigs."
    "Political Party Timeline," pbs.org (accessed Dec. 7, 2007)

  6. Constitutional Union Party
    "Short-lived political party formed chiefly of the remnants of the Know-Nothings, the southern wing of the Whig party, and other southern groups…The party's formation was prompted by the desire to muster popular sentiment for the Union and against southern secession…The strength of the party, coupled with the split between the northern and southern sections of the Democratic party, contributed to the victory of Abraham Lincoln, the Republican presidential candidate. Following the 1860 campaign the Constitutional Union party was dissolved."
    "Constitutional Union Party," history.com (accessed Dec. 7, 2007)

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