Definition and meaning of American Solidarity Party: The American Solidarity Party (ASP) is a Christian democratic political party in the United States, founded in 2011 and officially incorporated in 2016. It represents a unique blend of social conservatism and economic interventionism, drawing heavily from Christian democratic traditions, Catholic social teaching, and Neo-Calvinist theology. The party's ideology combines fiscal center-left policies with socially center-right stances.
The ASP's platform is built on four pillars: life, justice, peace, and planet. It advocates for the sanctity of human life, opposing abortion, euthanasia, and capital punishment. The party emphasizes the importance of the traditional family, advocating for policies that support family and community structures.
Economically, the ASP supports a social market economy and advocates for widespread economic participation and ownership. This includes support for universal healthcare, worker ownership, and management of production. The party's economic policies are fiscally progressive, aiming to ensure a fair distribution of wealth and a robust social safety net.
In the realm of foreign policy, the ASP adopts a non-interventionist stance, promoting peace and diplomacy over military action. It supports foreign aid and a sympathetic approach to immigration, balancing secure borders with a commitment to human dignity.
Electoral reform is another key focus, with the ASP advocating for proportional representation, ranked choice voting, and fair ballot access for independent candidates. The party aims to combat political oligarchy and gridlock, promoting more inclusive and representative democratic processes.
The ASP's impact as a third party has been growing, particularly in states like California, Ohio, and Texas. While it has yet to achieve significant electoral success, the ASP's emphasis on social justice, environmental conservation, and economic fairness resonates with a segment of the electorate seeking an alternative to mainstream political options. The American Solidarity Party contributes to the broader discourse on how to create a more equitable and just society, demonstrating the potential role of third parties in shaping American politics.