The political parties in the U.S. differ in the planks of their platforms differ in a number of ways. For instance, Libertarian Party (LP), California Democratic (CD), Green Party (GP) on the issue of civil rights, endorsed equal rights for all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, age and political preference (Libertarian Party Platform 7: Burton 11: Greens Party, “Platform of the Greens”). In this regard, these political parties support same-sex marriages. Additionally, boycotts and other free market solutions are advocated for under the planks of the LP. However, the Republican Party (RP) is against same-sex marriages despite advocating equality of opportunity for all citizens (Republican Platform 31). Given this, the planks of the RP are fit for the electorate because they are in line with the Biblical stance on the issue of marriage.
On the issue of jobs and the economy, there exists a relative disparity of the views of the various parties. LP and RP support the idea of free markets and hence, are opposed to the idea of government’s intervention to private agreement interventions. By so doing, these parties believe that job creation is eminent (Libertarian Party Platform 5: Republican Platform 1). On the other hand, the CD is in support of all public services that are aimed at eliminating homelessness, hunger, and poverty as well as improving the lives of the disabled and elderly. Besides, CD intends to ensure that the quality of life of the people is guaranteed by controlling the minimum wage and making housing, education, healthcare, and clothing affordable (Burton 14). GP backs guaranteed right to job for all citizens and believes that through financing community-based public works and letting the community control them, jobs will be created and, therefore, an improved economy (Greens Party, “Platform of the Greens”). To that end, the planks of the CD on this issue best serve the electorate because they are comprehensive.
The sensitive issue of education also brings about a point of disparity in the platforms of the various political parties. LP endorses that education ought to be provided through a free market to ensure its efficiency and quality. As such, parents have the discretion of choosing schools for their children without the interference of the government (Libertarian Party Platform 5). CD and GP back the idea of free and quality education for all children from pre-school through graduate school at public institutions. Besides, CD endorses that the curriculum of the education system should be designed with a balanced and well-rounded manner to adequately prepare students for the future (Burton 8: Greens Party, “Platform of the Greens”). However, RP declares that through limiting the influence of the federal government in education, the problem of educational loans will be solved and instead shifted to private loans. Also, the restructuring of the curriculum of higher education is a major objective of RP so as to link the educational skills with jobs. Home schooling programs are also supported by the RP platform (Republican Platform 35). Even so, the platform of CD emerges as the best in serving the interests of the electorate since it aims at reducing the cost of education without compromising the quality.
Another issue that gives rise to a wide variation in view of political parties is the issue of energy and environment. LP opposes any form of government control over production, allocation and pricing of energy. Besides, LP holds that property rights and free market induce technological innovations and behavioral changes that are necessary for the protection of the ecosystem and environment (Libertarian Party Platform 4). GP support the idea of governmental financing of anti-pollution enforcements and cleanups. Moreover, GP declares a relentless investment in the production of renewable energy (Greens Party, “Platform of the Greens”). On the other hand, the CD intends to join hands with the public in building a nation that is energy-efficient and environmentally conscious (Burton 8-9). RP backs the public access to public lands for recreation, hunting, and fishing. It also backs the idea that conservation of the environment should be balanced with the economic benefits. What is more is that RP intends to support developing technology that is environmental-friendly by offering market-based incentives (Republican Platform 18). In this regard, GP platform on the issue of environment and energy serves the electorate better that those of others because it values, environmental conservation and aims to hinder people from polluting it while investing in effective solutions at the same time.
Foreign policy is also a critical issue to address in the platform of a political party. LP opposes the current government policy of foreign intervention and instead suggests that the foreign policy should mainly focus on defending the U.S. against external attacks and therefore avoiding foreign entanglements (Libertarian Party Platform 6). Similarly, GP supports a non-offensive, non-interventionist and rigorously a defensive military posture. Given this, the GP supposes that the military spending should be cut, and the saving utilized to provide foreign aid (Greens Party, “Platform of the Greens”). The CD also opposes the unnecessary military actions around the world that are funded through borrowed money at the expense of the taxpayer and the lives of U.S. Army forces. Instead, CD suggests that foreign intelligence, foreign aid program and domestic policing are effective ways of dealing with terrorism (Burton 16). However, RP does not share a similar stance on foreign policy and hence endorse the attack of nations that support terrorism. RP also backs the limiting of foreign aid to the level that only serves the national interest (Republican Platform 40). Intrinsically, the platform of the CD is effective in serving the interest of the electorate since it aims at upholding peace with foreign nations without compromising the safety of the nation.
The issue of health care is also considered differently in the platforms of the political parties. LP backs a free market of health system whereby individuals have ultimate control of the form of health care they want (Libertarian Party Platform 5). RP also gives support for a free market health care system, which is patient-based, since it fosters competition that has the effect of driving the cost of healthcare down. Reforms in the healthcare system are also supported so as to provide seniors with several options (Republican Platform 33). Conversely, CD considers healthcare as a human right as opposed to a privilege and hence advocates for high-quality, sustainable, comprehensive, affordable and publicly funded health care system for all citizens (Burton 12). Similarly, GP also backs free medical and dental care for all; however, with a provision for freedom of choice (Greens Party, “Platform of the Greens”). To that end, the platform of RP outmatches the others in addressing the interest of the electorate since it is detailed and comprehensive.
The political parties’ platforms differ in their perspectives on the issue of immigration. LP supports the unrestricted movement of humans and financial capital across national borders so as to support free trade. Escape from Tyranny also gives much attention in the sense that LP opposes unreasonable governmental constraint on individuals seeking asylum. However, LP backs the control of entry of foreigners on security, property and health grounds (Libertarian Party Platform 6). The CD also endorses that the immigration system ought to be fair, just and inclusive as per the American values of compassion, respect for humanity, opportunity and freedom (Burton 13). In the same vein, GP holds that the rights of immigrants ought to be supported in terms of jobs, health care, housing, education, and legal, political and civil rights (Greens Party, “Platform of the Greens”). As much as the RP supports the warm welcoming of immigrants who enter the U.S. through legal means, it backs the idea of spending a significant amount of resources to keep out those who enter through illegal methods (Republican Platform 25). Given this, the platform of RP best serves the interests of the electorates because the rights of immigrants are respected, but also the economic and security interests of the U.S. citizens are regarded by keeping out illegal immigrants.
On the issue of criminal justice, a disparity is eminent among the platforms of the political parties. LP supports the legal presumption of innocence till proven guilty, speedy trials, and the protection of the rights of individuals including liberty, property, and life. However, LP favors the repealing of the creation of crimes without victims, such as the use of drugs for recreation and medical purpose where no infringement of the rights of others occurs (Libertarian Party Platform 3). GP also backs the decriminalization of the possession of drugs, abolishment of the death penalty, and the establishment of a humane justice system and the prosecution of police brutality. Besides, GP supports the strengthening of laws on corporate crimes and offering foreign legal aid for victims (Greens Party, “Platform of the Greens”). On the other hand, CD supports an evidence-based criminal justice system besides being equitable and fair to all (Burton 6). Nonetheless, RP supports mandatory prison sentences for sexual and violent offenses as well as gang crimes. RP also supports the criminalization of drug dealers. Death penalty for capital crimes gains support under the planks of RP and parole for repeat felons and dangerous crimes is opposed (Republican Platform 37). All in all, the planks of GP best serve the interest of electorates because not only is it comprehensive but touched on issues that are often overlooked by many, such as legal aid for defendants.
In order to boot, National Security is also looked at differently by various political parties as demonstrated in their platforms. CD endorses that over and above the national defense being provided by the Armed Forces, National Defense is dependent on a stable federal budget, a strong economy, and a stable environment (Burton 15). LP holds that the U.S. should refrain from acting as policeman of the world and instead focus on maintaining a sufficient military to defend the nation against hostility. LP also opposes compulsory national service of any form (Libertarian Party Platform 6). Likewise, GP endorses that mutual arms reduction strategy should be put in place with the aim of eliminating cross-border offensive capabilities. By so doing, GP suggests that a light air defense system national guard, coast guard and border guard would ensure national security, which will cost a mere 1 percent of the current U.S. military spending (Greens Party, “Platform of the Greens”). The RP holds a different perspective and believes that through the display of military power, national defense is ensured since terrorism is deterred. In addition, RP is opposed to legislation that permits government flyovers or aerial surveillance on the U.S. soil (Republican Platform 42). To that end, the planks of LP best serve the interests of the electorate because compounds the factors that constitute a national defense, something that other political parties overlook.
Works Cited
Burton, John. 2014 Platform. Sacramento, CA: California Democratic Party, 2014. Print.
Greens Party USA (GPUSA). “Platform of the Greens/Green Party USA”. Green Party Website,
2012. 27 Apr. 2015.
Libertarian Party Platform. Columbus, Ohio: Libertarian Party, 2014. Print.
Republican Platform. Washington, DC: Republican Party, 2012. Print.
