Response Paper 1

You will write a response paper of 2-3 pages in length. The topic can be any topic you found and read in the primary course text, readings, videos etc. You select your own topic from the materials we have covered so far in class. You will write a 2-3 page response that is double spaced, Times New Roman with 12 Font, and have a proper introduction and conclusion. The response must explain the topic (what is it?), why it is important to American History, why you are interested in the topic, and your thoughts on the topic. 

If you use outside sources then cite the materials, but outside sources are not required. Again, if you do use outside sources, cite the material. 

 

 

The Prohibition Party

In the United States, a third party is any party that is not part of the two major parties – the Republican and Democratic parties. Although their candidates for various offices have low chances of being elected, the third parties in the country play a vital role in enabling political, cultural, and social reforms. One such party is the Prohibition Party. For a significant part of American History, this party has been vital in enabling reforms crucial for the greatness of the American people. This paper will look at the Prohibition Party, including what it is, why it is essential to American History, and my interests and thoughts on it.

Prohibition Party is the oldest minor political party still existing in the United States. Founded on September 1, 1869, the party’s primary purpose was to campaign for legislation to outlaw the manufacture, transportation, sale, and consumption of intoxicating liquors (Andersen, 2013). Since its formation, the Prohibition Party has, from time to time, nominated candidates for local and state offices in almost every state of the Union. The Prohibition Party received the most support from small-town and rural voters affiliated with Protestant evangelical churches. The party’s national strength peaked during the 1888 and 1892 elections, whereby its presidential candidates polled 2.2% of the popular vote. Years on, the party’s strength was effective, especially on county and local levels.

Since it was formed, the Prohibition Party has played a significant role in American History. The party has nominated a presidential candidate in every election since 1872. This makes it the longest-lived American political party after the Republican and Democratic parties. Also, the party ran some candidates for the office of federal, state, and local levels. It would also endorse candidates that it believed were acceptable among the major political parties. In most cases, the party would endorse members from the Republican Party. What’s more, the Prohibition Party played a significant role in enacting the National Prohibition Act (Volstead Act). Often referred to as the Noble Experiment, the National Prohibition Act was passed by the 66^th United States Congress to minimize corruption, crime, reduce the tax burden, improve health and hygiene, and solve social problems in America (Andersen, 2013).

The Prohibition Party interests me in various ways. First, the thought that our forefathers had the goodwill at heart to protect the noble course of the country excites me. The party was primarily formed to push for legislation that would help reduce the production, transportation, sale, and consumption of liquor products. It would, thus, help improve the well-being of individuals in society and America at large. Second, the Prohibition Party interests me in that it is still one of the few remaining active political parties in the United States (Andersen, 2013). It played a vital role in enacting the National Prohibition Act and has been actively fighting for what is religious-like for America. I think that such a party needs a chance in the national government. There is a need for such a party in the current governance. Two parties have governed the country for a significant part of its history. A slight change would do good to the country, maybe?

Political third parties play a crucial role in a country’s government. In the United States, various third parties have been actively involved in various social, cultural, and political reforms. One such party is the Prohibition Party that has played a significant role in American History. The party was formed in 1869, aiming to outlaw the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages. The party was actively involved in the formation and enactment of the National Prohibition Act in 1919. In my opinion, such a party can be of help in the current world, where the country is struggling with alcohol and drug abuse.