Party 1: The Libertarian Party

What is the name of the party? The Libertarian Party.

How did the party get started? The Libertarian Party was founded in August 1971 by a group of individuals, most notably David F. Nolan, who were interested in advancing libertarian principles in American politics. The party officially formed in December of that year in Colorado Springs. Its creation stemmed from a desire for a political platform that consistently advocated for individual liberty, limited government, and free markets, feeling that neither of the two major parties adequately represented these ideals.

What is the basic philosophy of this party? What does it stand for? The core philosophy of the Libertarian Party is centered on individual liberty and minimal government intervention in both personal and economic matters. They believe that individuals should be free to make their own choices as long as they do not infringe upon the rights of others. This translates into a strong advocacy for personal freedoms, free-market capitalism, and a non-interventionist foreign policy. They generally stand for reducing the size and scope of government, believing that voluntary action and individual responsibility are superior to government mandates and control.

What are three current political issues of importance to this party? Give specific, well-developed examples.

1. Ending the War on Drugs: The Libertarian Party believes that drug use is a victimless crime and that individuals should have the freedom to make choices about their own bodies and what they consume. They advocate for the legalization or decriminalization of drugs, arguing that current drug prohibition policies lead to violence, an overburdened justice system, and a violation of individual rights. For example, they would support repealing laws that criminalize marijuana use, and advocate for the release of individuals incarcerated for non-violent drug offenses.

2. Non-interventionist Foreign Policy: The party strongly opposes the United States acting as a “global police force” and advocates for a foreign policy that prioritizes peace, diplomacy, and trade over military intervention. They argue that foreign entanglements often lead to unnecessary wars, drain domestic resources, and can infringe upon the sovereignty of other nations. A specific example would be their opposition to extensive military spending and their call for bringing U.S. troops home from overseas deployments, unless there is a direct threat to American security.

3. Reducing Government Spending and Taxation: Libertarians believe that taxation is a form of government overreach and that individuals are better stewards of their own money than government officials. They advocate for significant cuts in government spending across various sectors, including welfare programs and government agencies, with the ultimate goal of eliminating or drastically reducing taxes. For instance, they would support eliminating the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and social security, believing that individuals should be free to manage their own retirement and financial security without government mandates.

Does this party hold regular conventions? Yes, the Libertarian Party holds a national convention every two years. In presidential election years, these conventions are used to nominate their presidential and vice-presidential candidates, and to adopt their party platform.

Did this party run a candidate for president in the most recent presidential election? Who was it? Yes, the Libertarian Party ran a candidate for president in the most recent presidential election (2024). Their candidate was Chase Oliver.

Is there a chapter of this party in your local community? If not, is there one for your state? Given my current location is Kenya, there is no chapter of the Libertarian Party in my local community. However, the Libertarian Party has chapters in almost all U.S. states.

Party 2: The Green Party

What is the name of the party? The Green Party (specifically, the Green Party of the United States).

How did the party get started? The Green movement in the United States began to organize in the mid-1980s, drawing inspiration from European Green parties that had emerged earlier. These parties were rooted in the environmental and peace movements of the 1960s and 70s. In the U.S., early Green organizations often focused on local issues and were loosely connected. The national Green Party of the United States formally came into being in 2001, consolidating various state Green parties.

What is the basic philosophy of this party? What does it stand for? The Green Party’s philosophy is fundamentally rooted in “Green politics,” which emphasizes ecological sustainability, social justice, nonviolence, and grassroots democracy. They believe in creating a society that lives in harmony with nature, ensures equity for all people, and empowers citizens to participate directly in decision-making. They advocate for a systemic change away from corporate-dominated politics towards a more democratic and environmentally conscious society.

What are three current political issues of importance to this party? Give specific, well-developed examples.

1. Climate Change and Renewable Energy: This is a cornerstone of the Green Party platform. They advocate for aggressive policies to combat climate change, including a rapid transition away from fossil fuels to 100% renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. They would push for substantial government investment in green infrastructure, carbon taxes, and international agreements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to create a sustainable economy that prioritizes environmental protection.

2. Social Justice and Economic Equality: The Green Party champions policies that aim to reduce economic inequality and promote social justice for all. This includes advocating for universal healthcare (Medicare for All), free college tuition, a living wage, and affordable housing. They also focus on addressing systemic discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and other factors, seeking to dismantle oppressive systems and ensure equitable opportunities for everyone. For example, they support reparations for historical injustices and comprehensive immigration reform.

3. Nonviolence and Demilitarization: The Green Party promotes nonviolent conflict resolution and advocates for a significant reduction in military spending, redirecting those funds towards domestic social and environmental programs. They generally oppose aggressive foreign policy interventions and military actions, viewing them as counterproductive and harmful. An example would be their call for withdrawing troops from foreign conflicts and engaging in robust diplomacy to resolve international disputes, rather than relying on military force.