The Structure of the U.S. Constitution Party

Founded in 1992, the U.S. Constitution Party is the third-largest political party in the United States in terms of registered voters. The party advocates a return to the original intent of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution and seeks to appoint party candidates to government positions at local, state and federal levels.

U.S. Constitution Party: The National Convention and National Committee

The structure of the Constitution Party is similar to that of other political parties. The party views the national convention, which is held every four years, as the absolute authority of the party.

The purpose of the national convention is to nominate presidential and vice presidential candidates. The convention is also the place where the national platform ideals are created and where important party business is transacted.

During the intervening years between national conventions, the Constitution Party is managed by a national committee. This committee is considered the governing body for all party business that is not the explicit domain of the national convention. The national committee is comprised of representatives from the various state affiliate parties.

Constitution Party Officers and Geographic Areas

The Constitution Party national committee features an executive committee that includes the following:

• a national chairman
• a secretary
• treasurer
• a vice chairman
• four area chairmen and co-chairmen.

These party officers are elected by the national committee.

The area chairmen and co-chairmen represent the four geographic areas of the United States:

• The Eastern Area
• The Mid-Western Area
• The Southern Area
• The Western Area.

Seven Principles of the U.S. Constitution Party

Though each state party is considered a separate entity, all are guided by the Constitution Party's seven goals, or principles. According to the party, the Seven Principles of the Constitution Party are as follows:

• American Sovereignty: American government should be committed to the protection of the borders, trade and common defense of Americans and should not be entangled in foreign alliances.
• Constitution: The U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights should be interpreted according to the actual intent of the Founding Fathers.
• Family: Family should comprise one husband and one wife and their children, as divinely instituted.
• Liberty: The self-governed individual should have freedom of conscience and actions.
• Life: The lives of all human beings should be protected, from conception to natural death.
• Property: Each individual has the right to own and steward personal property without government burden.
• States' Rights: Everything not specifically delegated by the Constitution to the federal government is reserved for the state and local jurisdictions.

Constitution Party: State Structure

Each state party affiliate of the United States Constitution Party is considered an independent, separate entity. They have their own elected officials, bylaws and structure. For instance, in Wyoming there is just one representative for the entire state. This person reports to the Western area chairman.

In larger states such as Texas, however, the United States Constitution Party is organized on a larger scale. The state of Texas has its own executive committee, which features:

• a chairman and vice chairman
• a communications director
• a secretary
• a treasurer
• eight regional chairmen that oversee the state.

This gives the state of Texas excellent representation and allows the Constitution Party the chance to talk about its platform in every part of the state. In addition, each county in Texas has its own county contact for the Constitution Party. This means that the Constitution Party has representation on every level in Texas.