Party Platform

A definition of party platform is an official statement of a political party's values, principles, and policies on which it seeks to gain power. It is a document that outlines the party's stance on various issues, from economic and social policy to foreign and defense policy. In essence, it is a manifesto. In the United States, party platforms are created and ratified by the party's national convention delegates. The purpose of a party platform is to provide a point of reference for voters to understand the party's positions and values. It also serves as a way to distinguish the party from its competitors. Generally, party platforms are quite detailed, often containing specific language regarding the party's positions on matters such as taxation, immigration, education, health care, and civil rights. Reform-minded party platforms generally focus on introducing reforms that will result in greater equality, justice, and opportunity for all citizens. Such platforms may call for the strengthening of worker rights, the protection of the environment, and the expansion of access to health care, housing, and education. They may also seek to reduce corruption, strengthen government transparency, and ensure greater access to the political process for all citizens. In short, a party platform is an official statement of a political party's values, principles, and policies. It serves to inform voters of the party's positions and to differentiate it from its competitors. Reform-minded platforms typically focus on introducing policies that will result in greater equality, justice, and opportunity for all citizens.