The past U.S. presidential elections has seen a growing rate of voters showing up at the polls to choose the right candidate to lead the American people into a future that will benefit, not only their interest, but also the interest of generations to come. However, when the choices at the voting booth always seem to come down to tap dancing with the donkey in the fields, or playing cards with the elephant in the room, most voters tend to choose, “the lesser of two evils.” or they vote for the candidate “they want to have a beer with” rather than the candidate who can make the hard decisions.

Maybe the issue is not that the two major political parties are inadequate, but the lack of exposure for the other forty-something, if not more, political parties in the United States of America. That’s right people: there is more to the political party scene than the Rocky Mountain Canary and the Desert Roaming Mammoth. According to information found on the Politics 1 website, www.Politics1.com, there are numerous political parties vying for your time, your money, and your good ol’ fashion votes come November 6. A few of these parties are known amongst the public, while others search for their footing in this muddle political showground. Let’s get to know a few of them below.

Third Parties Bring Change: Constitution Party

The Constitution Party got its start in 1992. It was originally known as the US Taxpayers Party founded by a former Nixon Administration official named Howard Phillips. The party has done well in the past several elections gaining up to 37 states placing its candidate on the ballot. “The goal of the Constitution Party is to restore American jurisprudence to its Biblical foundations and to limit the federal government to its Constitutional boundaries.”

In addition to this sentiment, the party’s platform includes “pro-born child” legislation, effective congressional reform, and the “call for the systematic reduction of the federal debt through, but not limited to, the elimination of further borrowing and the elimination of unconstitutional programs and agencies.” These points are just a few issues the Constitution Party wants to address, and enforce, should their presidential nominee, Virgil Goode win the 2012 election. To see if the Constitution Party has what it takes to run the country, go to https://www.constitution-party.net.

The Modern Whig Party

Named after the Whig Party established in 1833, the revival of this former political coalition began its journey in 2007 when Afghanistan and Iraq war veterans decided to build a political party that could “represent…moderate and independent-minded voters from all walks of life that are committed to finding pragmatic solutions to the problems facing the country.” (The Modern Whig Party. 2012.)

The Modern Whig Party gained 25,000 members a year after its creation and merged two other political parties into its coalition.

Those organizations were the USA Whig Party and the Veterans Party of America. A few elements of the Modern Whig platform that may appeal to anyone looking for a new political party are fiscal responsibility, energy independence, education and scientific advancement, veteran affairs, and inward-looking-economic focus. “Whigs believe that focusing on the processes of governance and refocusing political participation in America, is the ONLY proper long term solution to enable truly effective public policy and better governance.” (The Modern Whig Party. 2012.)

If you think this is the kind of political party that understands your governmental needs, you can learn more about the organization at https://www.modernwhig.org/. Just know, they have yet to choose their presidential nominee but come August 5, if you like their platform, and their choice, maybe they can get your vote on November 6.

Justice Party

“…Rocky Anderson created this party in 2011 as a new national political vehicle for disgruntled citizens who feel the Democratic Party is not sufficiently progressive.” (Politics 1. 2012.) This former mayor of Salt Lake City decided to create a political party committed to economic, environmental, social, and civic justice. Some of their goals are to “…enact a financial transaction tax that will curb reckless speculation and provide revenue for job creation, job training and education, [provide] free education…for…college, and [establish] marriage equality.” (Justice Party. 2012. https://www.justicepartyusa.net/)

Rocky Anderson wants to bring a change to this country similar to what Ralph Nader tried to do during his presidential campaigns. In fact, Rocky Anderson received Mr. Nader’s endorsement for his presidential run and not only has Mr. Anderson received his backing, he will also be on the Oregon ballot this fall, as well as Utah and Mississippi. Mr. Anderson wants to pull off an upset this November with the support all those who join his Justice Party and understands his vision.

Green Party of the United States

The Green Party has a long history in the media’s eye, due to its huge presence in numerous states, vast pool of supporters, and polarizing figures, such as Ralph Nader, as their presidential hopeful on election ballots. In the past two decades, the Green Party has been a growing political force devoted to promoting the increased awareness of ecological, economical, and human rights issues.

Guided by the 10 Key Values, the Green Party members want to utilize these principles to create a structure “…of social, political and economic institutions away from a system which is controlled by and mostly benefits the powerful few…” (The Green Party of United States. 2012.)

The party has continued over the years to propagate their goals across the country through their state affiliated organizations and by sending a candidate every four years to the ballots for US president. Though, they have yet to select a presidential nominee for their party, one will be chosen by July 15 and it should be interesting since a former comedienne has put her hat in for the bid. We’ll see if Ms. Barr actually wins.

Even though this review cannot begin to cover the immeasurable amount of political parties within the borders of the United States, it does recognize how the ingenuity of the American spirit and the American persistence can create the kinds of political organizations that suit the needs of all kinds of citizens in this nation. And if you, a voter, aren’t satisfied with the dominance of two political parties, there’s always a choice. True, those choices may not be heavily publicized on CBS, ABC, CNN, or Fox News but if you start here, www.politics1.com/parties.htm, there may be a group that has a political philosophy that fits your interest and that can add a candidate to the ballot that doesn’t try to draw you in with the fireworks of great change, only to offer you the flat fizz of status quo.