The founding of a government is one of the most complicated undertakings that can be attempted by a group of people. All of the ideals that are set down are carefully considered. After the death of the founders, for centuries, people have debated and disputed their true intent. Others are less concerned and feel they have a more modern, and relevant interpretation of what the nation should be. From these different perspectives we have formed various political parties.
In this hypothetical party there are a number of issues that overlap with the views of some other groups but these do not indicate affiliation. The primary interest of this party is to ensure the government is there to perform its duties to the people of the nation. First and foremost the government is there to protect the people from others. Secondly, the government exists to promote and provide for the general welfare of the people.
Protecting the people of the country depends on the ability of the government to physically prevent and defend against attack. Initially, the government was reluctant to create a standing army. Their concerns were that the government would incur costs that were far too great if there was a standing army. Also the concerns extended to the possibility of endangering freedoms of the people if the government had a large standing military force during peacetime.
Considering the fact that US spending on its military budget rivals the combined expenditure of the next 10 largest military nations combined, shows that they were right on that risk. In times where the national debt and deficits are approaching a critical point in which it may begin to adversely impact the economy, such a large expense is not sustainable. On the other hand, the army cannot be dispended because in this environment, you cannot just raise a new army with every threat. The second Amendment, which ensures people the right to own weapons to operate a well-regulated state-level militia, is not enough protection. The party therefore promotes a working with the Pentagon to create more cost effective strategies to manage a smaller army. By having a core standing army with reserves that can be called upon, it should be possible to have both a well trained and an efficient and cost effective means of protection.
Promoting welfare of the people means that the government is to be charged with accomplishing what individuals cannot. This means that the government is required to establish and maintain the infrastructure that everyone relies on. In 1932 only 10% of farms had electric power as compared to 70% of rural residents. In 1936 the Rural Electrification Act was signed, which paved the way for the creation of a more complete electrical power grid. The power companies did not have the incentive to provide these remote areas with electricity but the act made it possible for all to eventually gain electricity. Even though the government did not create this power grid, the act provided the incentive and funding required making it possible.
Examples like this show that the government is needed to make sure that infrastructure is available and maintained. It shall be the role of the government to not only ensure that vital services are available, but accessible to all people. This includes making sure that all utilities, transportation, housing and healthcare are available to anyone regardless of their income or other socioeconomically standings.
One of the greatest concerns continues to be the cash flow in the government that is required to maintain the level of functionality that is required. Regardless of how funds are obtained specifically, a strong economy means more money will be available to fund the government. Increasing the funds can be accomplished thought investment that strengthens the economy. There seems to be very little that has the kind of long-term improvement in a nation than to make education more affordable and available.
An anonymous donor in one town promised to pay for in-state public tuition for all high school graduates so they may complete their undergraduate degree. To date in Kalamazoo, MI nearly $35 million has been spend to send 2,500 student to college and as of 2005, nearly 2/3rds of students in a 4 year degree program have graduated with another 15% of them nearing graduation. The result is that these are more desirable candidates for jobs and employers are more likely to hire them for higher paying jobs. It will be the position of this party that the establishment of affordable or free higher education will be a priority in the quest to establish a stronger economy and promote welfare of all.
Some social issues need to be addressed on the grounds of the rights of individuals and society collectively. It is impossible to everyone to have unlimited unfettered rights. If some have the right to take anything they want, some people will have their property taken. With gun rights, the Supreme Court in 2010 established that the right to bear arms was an individual as opposed to a state right. At the same time, the government’s job is to protect. It shall be the party platform to maintain reasonable regulation without taking away the right to own weapons.
It will furthermore be the position that free speech and privacy are paramount to the happiness and general welfare of all. People should be able to live their lives as they see fit as long as it isn’t hurting others in an unreasonable fashion. It shall be established that it is vital to protect all rights including equality for all. An example of this is the same rights for marriage and adoption applying to all regardless of gender or sexual orientation. The overall trend in the current political environment is in this direction but the party platform would seek to expedite this process.
The last of the areas that will be strongly advocated is the promotion of the health of all individuals. This can be split up into two categories. The first is the necessities of life such as food and shelter. The second is adequate healthcare. Helping people with low income logically helps the economy. Programs such as Food Stamps provide money to low-income individuals and families. This money is spent locally and is used to stimulate the economy in one way or another whether it be through wages or paying farmers for produce. When funds are used to promote the lower class it is spent and increases cash flow in their local economies.
The US has taken its first steps into creating a system where everyone has access to healthcare and can afford it. Under current legislation, all individuals are required to carry minimum insurance. This unfortunately does not cover all individuals, as there are many exceptions. It is a step in the right direction. It, unfortunately remains a fact that 15% of the US population does not have adequate health insurance, making the US the only industrialized nation to fail to provide universal healthcare. It will be a platform of the party to change this.
References
Barnes, R., & Eggen, D. (2010, June 29). Supreme Court affirms fundamental right to bear arms. Retrieved from Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/28/AR2010062802134.html
Jane. (2014, June 27). Analysis: US No Longer Spends More on Defense than Next 10 Biggest Countries Combined. Retrieved from Janes: http://www.janes.com/article/40083/analysis-us-no-longer-spends-more-on-defense-than-next-10-biggest-countries-combined
kaiser, E. (2012, September 21). Can the promise of free college boost a town's economy? Retrieved from MPR News: http://www.mprnews.org/story/2012/09/21/daily-circuit-kalamazoo-promise-economy
Rural Electrification. (n.d.). Retrieved June 29, 2014, from Basin: http://www.basinelectric.com/About_Us/Corporate/History/Rural_Electrification/index.html
Stewart, R. W. (2004). American Military History. Washington D.C.: Library of Congress.
