The 2020 election is just around the corner, and with the presidential debates occurring and the intense division amongst the American people, some citizens have begun to wonder if this is the way the United States has to be. Some have termed voting for Pres. Trump or Biden ‘choosing between the lesser of two evils,’ and while that is for the individual to decide, the civil unrest in the country is undeniable.
This danger of the two-party system was warned against in George Washington’s Farewell Address, where he states, “The alternate domination of one faction over another…is itself a frightful despotism. …The disorders and miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty.” (Washington’s Farewell Address, 1796)
In a modern interpretation, Washington foresaw that having just two political parties would not only reduce a citizen’s self-reliability, but also give too much power to the winner of an election.
Did you know? There were 1,207 candidates filed for the 2020 election. Not just 2, but 11 are available on five or more states’ ballots.
Although third parties in America have not gained enormous popularity in the past, multiple candidates under these factions have risen up in the nation’s history. Third parties tend to emerge when a portion of American citizens feel the two main parties, Democrat and Republican, are doing a poor job at addressing a certain issue or amendment.
For instance, in the 1840s and 1850s, a number of third parties formed around the issue of slavery, including the Free Soil Party. The popular Free Soil Party even managed to elect fourteen members to Congress before it eventually joined with the Republican Party, that of which began its life as an anti-slavery third party.
Most third parties in the United States’ history end up blending into one of the two main political parties or having their policies incorporated into a main party of the time. The importance of third parties is often not stressed enough in American politics.
Below are profiles of the most influential third parties as of recent years.
Libertarian Party
Preamble: “The world we seek to build is one where individuals are free to follow their own dreams in their own ways, without interference from government or any authoritarian power.”
Who is the 2020 presidential candidate? Jo Jorgensen, with VP Spike Cohen
What are the party’s main stances? Libertarians will create a smaller government that is not involved with the personal affairs of citizens, consequently lowering taxes and allowing citizens freedoms as long as they don’t harm others.
To learn more about the Libertarian Party, go to https://www.lp.org/platform/
Green Party
Preamble: “We must consciously confront in ourselves, our organizations, and society at large, any discrimination by race, class, gender, sexual orientation, age, nationality, religion, or physical or mental ability that denies fair treatment and equal justice under the law. . . .We support a sustainable society that utilizes resources in such a way that future generations will benefit and not suffer from the practices of our generation.”
Who is the 2020 presidential candidate? Howie Hawkins, with VP Angela Walker
What are the party’s main stances? Greens will take charge of the country’s economical and ecological state by providing eco-friendly jobs and affordable renewable energy technologies. Greens believe the country must step away from the federal view, and look at the community and local viewpoint.
To learn more about the Green Party, go to https://www.gp.org/
Alliance Party
Who is the 2020 presidential candidate? Roque “Rocky” De La Fuente, VP Darcy Richardson
What are the party’s main stances? The Alliance Party believes that the U.S. can return to its prime and glory with the correct leadership, ultimately regaining its honor in the world, and helping to lead developing countries into prosperity. The Alliance Party is centrist, stating “Our aims are not to move the direction of the country Left or Right, but Forward.”
To learn more about the Alliance Party, go to https://www.theallianceparty.com/
Constitution Party
Who is the 2020 presidential candidate? Don Blankenship, VP William Mohr
What are the party’s main stances? The Constitution Party believes in going back to the country’s roots and its founding documents. This includes acknowledging God as the Creator and therefore recognizing each individual citizen’s human rights. Looking back at the original foundations of the U.S. in order to solve current problems is what this party believes will save the country.
To learn more about the Constitution Party, go to https://www.constitutionparty.com/
American Solidarity Party
Who is the 2020 presidential candidate? Brian T. Carroll, VP Amar Patel
What are the party’s main stances? The Solidarity Party supports human life in all capacities. They are described as left-leaning economically, and right-leaning ethically.
To learn more about the American Solidarity Party, go to https://solidarity-party.org/
Party for Socialism and Liberation
Who is the 2020 presidential candidate? Gloria La Riva, VP Sunil Freeman
What are the party’s main stances? Switching to a socialist society will bring an end to the violence, poverty, and injustice of today.
To learn more about the Party for Socialism and Liberation, go to https://www.pslweb.org/
Independent
Who is the 2020 presidential candidate? Brock Pierce, VP Karla Ballard
What are the party’s main stances? The goal of this party in the 2020 election is to take away votes from both Pres. Trump and Biden, so there will be technically no winner of the 2020 election by pure votes. If this occurs, the next president will be chosen from the top three candidates by the House of Representatives. Brock Pierce, the 2020 candidate for this party, hopes the third candidate will be him. This party supports the legalization of marijuana, healthcare for all, expanded immigration, and ending the emission of harmful carbon dioxide by 2040.
To learn more about the Independent Party, go to https://www.brock.vote/
Written by: Hannah Lutz
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