Third Party Assignment
Are you tired of the fighting that goes on between the Democrats and Republicans? Are
you a little curious about what other choices there might be? Then this assignment is for
you! This assignment examines current third parties in American politics. You will be
guided through web sites for the following political parties: Constitution; Democratic
Socialist; Green; Libertarian; and Reform. Then you will visit a general web site for third
parties and answer simple questions on some of the more "extreme" or "fringe" political
parties.
Your answers to the questions MUST be recorded in a Word document or written on a
separate sheet of paper. For some questions you can simply copy and paste your answers
into your Word document. For other questions you will be required to summarize
material. If the question says to SUMMARIZE, you will NOT receive credit for your
answer if you do not put it in your OWN thoughts, words, and analysis.
Constitution Party
http://www.constitutionparty.com/
1. When was the Constitution Party formed? By what other name is it known? (see
about us)
2. How would the CP reform Congress? (see platform)
3. Summarize the CP position on education.
4. What federal environmental legislation would the CP repeal?
5. Select any two additional items from the CP platform and summarize their
positions.
Democratic Socialists
http://www.dsausa.org/
From the home page, find out the Democratic Socialists summarize their position on the
following:
1. The #WeNeedBernie
2. In the Constitution Summarize the purpose of the DSA
3. Click on the DSA Wal-Mart link
(http://www.dsausa.org/the_wal_mart_revolution) Would a Democratic
Socialists be likely to support Wal-Marts in the Treasure Valley? Why or why
not?
Green Party
http://www.gp.org/2016
1. . When was the Green Party founded? (Click on "ABOUT" from the
homepage)
2. Summarize any three items from the list of the ten key values of the Green
Party. (Links are on the home page)
3. Who is the Green Party presidential candidate and what are the three things
she has done during the month of November.
4. Click on the state of Idaho. Who is the Secretary of the Idaho Green Party?
(Click on About and State Parties).
Libertarian Party
http://www.lp.org/
1. The Libertarian Party differs from the two major political organizations in that
Libertarians don't move from issue to issue. Rather, Libertarians operate from
a set of beliefs or principles.
a. What 3 things is the Libertarian Party committed to? (from the home
page)
b. Compare and contrast your position or beliefs with those of the
Libertarian party on four issues; this should be more than just a
summary. (Click on issues & positions)
Reform Party
http://reformparty.org/
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Use the link on the home page to answer the first three questions.
Summarize 4 of the points of the parties’ political platform.
What does the American Reform Party stand for? (Mission Statement)
How is this party preparing to take back the U.S.? (Summary from Platform)
Which candidates did or does the reform party support during the last election
cycle?
6. Who did the Reform Party of New York join with to protect the Reform Party
ballot line? (Click under the News link.)