What to Know About the American Solidarity Party

There are dozens of political parties in the United States. In fact, the states of Colorado and Vermont each have 21 parties with ballot access. However, there are only a handful with enough support to raise awareness beyond the local or state level. 

From within the broad spectrum of American political movements, the American Solidarity Party (ASP) offers a unique blend of social and economic principles that distinguish it from both the establishment and minor parties that are traditionally recognized in U.S. politics. 

Founded in 2011 and incorporated in 2016, the ASP draws inspiration from the Christian Democratic movements prevalent in Europe and Latin America, positioning itself as a centrist party that combines elements of social conservatism with progressive economic policies. This fusion aims to embody the principles of the "common good." It prioritizes a bottom-up approach to tackling social and economic problems, as well as solidarity rooted in a Christian Democratic ideology. 

The ASP’s motto is: “Common Good, Common Ground, Common Sense.”

The American Solidarity Party’s Platform

The American Solidarity Party advocates for a comprehensive approach to politics that prioritizes human dignity and the welfare of the community. The party is socially conservative and fiscally left of center. 

Minor parties like the American Solidarity Party are formed to address perceived gaps in the political landscape. Like many in the independent community, they try to offer new perspectives and solutions based on specific sets of values or principles. 

The ASP, in particular, was established to present an alternative that combines moral conservatism with social and economic progressivism, attracting those who find themselves at odds with the binary choices offered by the major parties.

Key tenets of the ASP platform include:

1. Pro-Life Ethic: The ASP adopts a whole-life stance, opposing abortion, euthanasia, and the death penalty, advocating for policies that protect life at all stages.

2. Economic Justice: The party supports economic policies that promote fairness, workers’ rights, and the redistribution of wealth to combat inequality. This includes advocating for a living wage, universal healthcare, and strong social welfare programs.

3. Environmental Stewardship: Emphasizing the responsibility to care for the earth, the ASP advocates for aggressive action on climate change and policies that promote sustainability.

4. Family and Community: The party supports policies that strengthen families and communities, including affordable healthcare, education, and housing, and emphasizes the importance of parental rights in education.

5. Peace and Nonviolence: The ASP promotes a foreign policy based on diplomacy, nonviolence, and a critical stance on military interventions.

On the surface level, these principles and positions may seem to draw from positions all along the political spectrum. But, how does the American Solidarity Party stack up against the establishment and other prominent minor parties? 

The ASP vs. Other Political Parties

Unlike the Republican Party, which tends toward economic conservatism, and the Democratic Party, which often emphasizes social liberalism, the ASP advocates for a blend of social conservatism (on issues like abortion) and economic progressivism (advocating for policies that promote the common good in healthcare and education).

The American Solidarity Party’s principles also run counter to Libertarians’ in certain ways. For example, the Libertarian Party advocates for minimal government intervention, while the ASP supports a significant role for the government in ensuring economic justice and public welfare. Meanwhile, while the Green Party shares the ASP's emphasis on environmentalism and economic justice, the two diverge significantly on social issues, with the ASP adopting more conservative positions on abortion rights policies.

Let’s take a deeper dive with a head-to-head comparison of the ASP and other political parties in the United States:

American Solidarity Party vs. Republican Party

Although their conservative side seems to be on-par with the Republican Party, there are several key differences in how the ASP approaches social, economic, and foreign policy issues. 

Differences:

• Economic Justice: Unlike the Republican Party, which tends toward fiscal conservatism and limited government intervention in the economy, the American Solidarity Party advocates for progressive economic policies that emphasize wealth redistribution, a living wage, and strong social welfare programs to ensure economic justice.

• Social Issues: While both parties may share conservative views on issues like abortion, the ASP adopts a whole-life approach, opposing not only abortion but also the death penalty and euthanasia, reflecting a broader pro-life stance than typically embraced by Republicans.

Similarities:

Both parties emphasize the importance of family and community, advocating for policies that they believe strengthen these foundational social units.

American Solidarity Party vs. Democratic Party

As with the Republican Party, the ASP and Democrats diverge on their approach to several issues. Even in areas where they agree, their rationales and solutions differ. 

Differences:

• Abortion and Social Conservatism: The ASP's whole-life ethic leads it to oppose abortion, a stance that diverges sharply from the generally pro-choice position of the Democratic Party. Additionally, the ASP's social conservatism contrasts with the Democratic Party's more liberal positions on social issues.

• Economic Policies: Although both parties advocate for social welfare programs, the ASP's approach is grounded in the principles of solidarity and subsidiarity, favoring policies that are both progressive and aimed at empowering local communities, distinguishing its perspective on economic justice from the Democrats'.

Similarities:

Both parties place a high emphasis on addressing climate change and promoting environmental sustainability, with the ASP particularly emphasizing the moral imperative to care for the earth.

American Solidarity Party vs. Libertarian Party

The widest chasm seems to be between the Libertarian Party and the American Solidarity Party, especially in their views on the role and scope of government intervention in policy matters. 

Differences:

• Role of Government: The ASP supports a significant governmental role in economic regulation, healthcare, and welfare, reflecting a commitment to the common good and economic justice. This contrasts with the Libertarian Party's emphasis on minimal government intervention and maximal individual freedom.

• Social Issues: On social issues, the ASP's conservative stance, especially regarding abortion, contrasts with the Libertarian Party's more permissive attitudes towards personal choice in moral and social matters.

Similarities:

While their approaches differ significantly, both parties value the role of personal responsibility and the importance of community in societal well-being.

American Solidarity Party vs. Green Party

Of all parties in this comparison, the ASP and Greens may be most closely aligned when it comes to environmental issues. However, the parties still have some major differences when it comes to their approach to economics and social progress. 

Differences:

• Social Conservatism: The ASP's conservative views on abortion and other life issues mark a clear distinction from the Green Party, which typically supports progressive social policies.

• Economic and Governmental Philosophy: Although both parties advocate for environmental stewardship and economic justice, the ASP frames these issues within the context of Christian democracy. That includes emphasizing moral and ethical considerations alongside policy outcomes.

Similarities:

Both parties make environmental concerns and climate change central to their platforms, advocating for comprehensive policies to address these global challenges.

American Solidarity Party vs. Constitution Party

Although both parties are deeply rooted in Christian principles and values, that is where the similarities end. Despite some overlapping concerns, particularly regarding the sanctity of life, their approaches to governance, economic policy, and the role of the United States in the global community reflect fundamentally different philosophies and priorities.

Differences:

• Economic Policies: The American Solidarity Party advocates for progressive economic policies such as a living wage, universal healthcare, and strong social welfare programs, grounded in principles of economic justice and the common good. In contrast, the Constitution Party promotes a more conservative economic approach, emphasizing free-market principles, reduced government spending, and minimal government intervention in the economy.

• Social Issues: While both parties share conservative stances on abortion, their approach to other social issues diverges. The ASP's whole-life ethic extends its pro-life stance to oppose the death penalty and euthanasia, reflecting a broader application of its pro-life principles than typically found in the Constitution Party's platform. The ASP also places a significant emphasis on social justice and environmental stewardship, areas that receive less focus in the Constitution Party's platform.

• Foreign Policy: The ASP advocates for a foreign policy based on diplomacy and nonviolence, contrasting with the Constitution Party's more isolationist stance that emphasizes American sovereignty and a critical view of international interventions and engagements.

Similarities:

• Emphasis on Moral and Ethical Principles: Both parties prioritize moral and ethical principles in their platforms, though they may derive these principles from different philosophical or religious foundations. The ASP's policies are influenced by Christian democratic ideals, while the Constitution Party's platform is grounded in a strict interpretation of the U.S. Constitution and conservative values.

• Government Role in Society: Both parties advocate for what they see as the proper role of government in society, though their visions differ. The ASP sees the government as a tool for promoting the common good, especially in economic justice and environmental stewardship. The Constitution Party focuses on limiting government to roles explicitly defined in the Constitution to protect individual liberties and states' rights.

These one-on-one comparisons illustrate how the American Solidarity Party's unique blend of social conservatism and economic progressivism sets it apart from other political parties in the United States, reflecting its distinct ideological foundation and policy priorities.

Prominent American Solidarity Party Candidates

Since its inception, the ASP has fielded a number of candidates in various elections. However, it remains a relatively minor party with limited electoral success. 

Notable candidates have included:

1. Mike Maturen: The ASP’s 2016 presidential candidate was a magician and motivational speaker who emphasized the party's commitment to the whole-life principle and economic justice.

2. Brian Carroll: Brian Carroll was the ASP’s candidate in 2020. His campaign focused on life issues, climate change, and healthcare. Carroll represented the party's effort to provide a voice for those who feel politically homeless between the major parties.

3. Peter Sonski: Native to the state of Massachutsettes, Peter Sonski is the 2024 presidential candidate for the American Solidarity Party. His grassroots campaign focuses on preserving traditional American values. So far, he’s gained ballot access in the state of Arkansas, with progress being made toward ballot access in Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, and California. 

Third Parties and Beyond

The American Solidarity Party continues to grow its presence in American politics, appealing to voters seeking a blend of conservative social values and progressive economic policies. By advocating for the dignity of all human life, economic fairness, and environmental responsibility, the ASP offers a unique perspective in the U.S. political landscape. 

Like many third parties, GoodParty.org’s movement supports candidates who are more reflective of the diverse and evolving nature of American democracy. You can support us in our mission by volunteering or by running for office yourself. 

Photo by Birger Strahl on Unsplash