Living the GOP Platform
On July 6, 1854, just after the nation’s anniversary, an anti-slavery state convention was held in Jackson, Michigan. The hot day forced the large crowd outside to a nearby oak grove. At this “Under the Oaks Convention,” the first statewide candidates were selected for what would become the Republican Party.
The Platform of the Under the Oaks Convention read: “…we will cooperate and be known as REPUBLICANS…” The name “Republican” was chosen, alluding to Thomas Jefferson’s Democratic-Republican Party and conveying a commitment to the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
The diversity of our party must be recognized as the party of the people. For nearly 200 years, the Republican Party has been the leader in movements endorsing free speech, abolishing slavery, supporting issues such as women’s rights, free enterprise, lowering taxes, and creating sustainable energies and economies.
Republicans believe that equality, freedom, and limited government will give all Americans the tools they need to succeed. Our party is deeply rooted in protecting human rights, preserving constitutional free speech and individual achievement, and reducing the burdens added upon hard-working citizens. We are the Party that promotes jobs and assures opportunity and prosperity for all Americans.
Our focus is building a healthy economy based on free enterprise and sensible business practices, not by burdening families with overreaching government, ever-rising taxes, and suffocating debt. The flourishing future of American families and communities depends on a nation that is for the people.
Because we love our nation and desire to protect the United States of America, we are a party that supports strong national defense and healthcare reform that ensures quality care while lowering costs and empowering our children with quality education.
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Why Register as a Republican
Political Parties encourage people to be politically active and to stand for the issues of their platform. Debating issues allows for expressing opinions and sharing ideas to formulate an informed opinion.
Organization is the primary advantage that a political party provides. Each voting member can evaluate the politics at any level to determine if they share the party’s values.
Organized parties distribute information and communicate to legislators to direct them to stay true to their word in lawmaking. This process helps make decisions more quickly, benefiting everyone faster than if one person, or small group, were to do it themselves.
Political parties can neutralize special interest groups when congregating to counter monetary influences. For example, Republicans corroborated with other large organizations to counter money Tom Steyer was bringing from California to push solar power and the Green New Deal in Arizona.
The two-party system allows politicians to come together so negotiations can occur. Negotiating creates a system of checks and balances to prevent one person or group from grabbing too much power. Governments with multiple political parties (i.e.) the United Kingdom has 11 must still form a majority government by overcoming various conflicts through numerous debates.
Disadvantages of political parties:
Parties can be abusive- The Communist Party is an example where enforcement of laws and expectations is more critical than individual participation.
Parties may encourage polarization – This occurs when platforms are presented as an all-or-nothing scenario. Even within one party, the mentality of I’m right/ you’re wrong can be divisive, as well as name-calling/back-stabbing/suing/obstruction.
Political parties prioritize themselves using money to gain power – In 2016, the cost of the US presidential election was $2.6 billion. Political parties see this as an investment, but should we limit influential campaign spending?
Political parties may invite corruption – If a person is given a large enough and loud enough platform, they can influence the direction of an entire community/nation. Corruption occurs when special interest groups want to gain the attention of these powerful politicians. Therefore, it is always prudent to maintain individual voices in the debate of platforms and values.
All of the points of political parties hinge on one characteristic: the management of the party.
Like a good choir, political parties led by a great manager can come together for a common goal: making harmonic music. Though individuals are creating different parts and types of voice, the goal is a final product we all can appreciate. When one or more members get off-key, it will be evident and imperative that they get back in tune with the rest of the group for the greater good.
It’s a Jungle out there, and now it’s on your Ballot too.
If lower voter turnout is what you are looking for, then look no further than Ranked Choice Voting.
In this voting SCHEME, when voters select only one candidate on their ballot, those ballots are tossed because their first choice didn’t win a majority in the first round. Really? Check this out:
Of the nearly 15,000 “exhausted” ballots thrown out in Alaska’s special congressional election, more than 11,000 were from voters who “voted for only one Republican candidate and no one else,” according to the report. RCV also played a major role in helping Alaska GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski win reelection during the 2022 midterms, which reportedly saw the “lowest voter turnout percentage on record.”
From thefederalist.com