Have you read a political party platform? Many devoted Americans skip this step because it is either considered time-consuming or just plain boring. Hopefully, today, we can change your view.
Maybe you prefer the drama of the media, or you are still letting your mother choose your candidates for you. Today’s electorate understands that at least scanning a political party platform is essential for informed voting. You may be surprised at what you find or don’t find in it.
What Is a Political Party Platform?
According to study.com, “A platform is a political party’s statement of beliefs, values, and policies. It serves as a sort of mission statement for a political party’s overall aspirations.” (1) If you want to know what a party’s principles, goals, and policy positions are, the platform tells you. Why should you care? Because their candidate is saying, for the most part, they represent these essential points. Make it personal (i.e., see if you agree with the policy positions most important to you). If not, this may not be your candidate.
How to Read a Party Platform
Scan the document to look for the Preamble, Planks (issues and beliefs), and resolutions. Do this for each party. Scanning doesn’t take long. In fact, you may find fascinating points that the news media aren’t talking about.
Next, look for the key themes, values, and tone in the Preamble. Identify your key issues. What are the platform priorities? What are your priorities? Each plank represents a specific policy issue. Does the plank express the policy clearly? Notice the language! Ambiguous language may leave essential points to be decided after the election when you realize this is not something you would vote for.
Make sure there are consistent, not contradictory, positions within the platform.
Compare and Analyze the Party Platform
Astute voters may compare this year’s platforms to other years. For example, you could compare immigration from 1992, 2008, and 2024. You might compare the party stance on healthcare, the economy, or education. Notice any changes in the party’s values, beliefs, or policies over time.
You can check the claims made in the platform. If it says something like “everyone will have a house,” see if this is realistic. Are there any studies on whether or not this is feasible? You may want a house and can’t afford one right now. What do government-issued houses look like? Who maintains them? At what cost? Can a political party keep promises? Non-partisan think tanks (for example, Brookings) can aid your analysis.
Why It’s Important to Read Each Party Platform
The importance of reading a party platform cannot be emphasized enough. It is time well spent. You will be sure of your vote ( in national and down-ballot choices) after you examine your own values, beliefs, and priorities and “look behind the curtain” of each political party. Whether a five-minute or an hour-long survey, your value of being informed and engaged in the process is priceless to yourself, your family, and your country.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. 🇺🇸
1.) https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-a-political-platform-definition-examples.html
