The American Unity Act aims to eliminate formal political parties in the United States to foster a government structure that prioritizes individual representation, reduces partisan division, and empowers citizens to vote based on candidate values and qualifications rather than party allegiance. This policy intends to enhance democracy by reducing factionalism, increasing transparency, and encouraging bipartisan cooperation.
Background and Rationale
- Reducing Partisan Division
Political parties have grown increasingly polarized, often prioritizing party agendas over the interests of constituents. By removing the influence of organized political parties, this policy aims to encourage candidates and elected officials to prioritize the welfare of their constituents and the nation over partisan loyalty. - Encouraging Independent, Value-Based Voting
Political parties often dominate elections, resulting in voters feeling pressured to support a party rather than focusing on candidate qualifications, policies, and integrity. Eliminating political parties will encourage candidates to run on individual platforms, making elections more about ideas and values than partisan allegiance. - Increasing Bipartisan Cooperation
Without political parties, legislators will have greater incentives to collaborate and find solutions that address a broader range of perspectives. This policy will foster more constructive debates, innovative problem-solving, and policymaking that benefits all citizens.
Objectives of the American Unity Act
- Disband Formal Political Party Structures and Influence
- Eliminate the recognition, funding, and organization of political parties at all levels of government to encourage individual-centered candidacies and reduce factionalism in the democratic process.
- Promote Independent Candidacies and Issue-Based Campaigning
- Enable candidates to run independently, without party labels or funding, encouraging voters to focus on individual qualifications, values, and policies rather than party affiliation.
- Enhance Legislative Collaboration and Decrease Gridlock
- Increase bipartisan and cross-issue collaboration in Congress by removing party lines that contribute to legislative stagnation and partisanship.
Key Components of the Proposal
- Elimination of Political Parties as Legal Entities
- Revocation of Party Recognition
- All registered political parties will be formally dissolved as legal entities. The Federal Election Commission (FEC) and state election boards will no longer recognize, record, or allocate funds for political parties. Ballots will not contain party labels, and candidates will appear without party affiliation.
- Prohibition of Party-Based Fundraising and Endorsements
- Political fundraising and campaign activities previously organized by parties will be replaced with individual campaign finance systems. All endorsements will be personal, with endorsements by formally organized political parties or factions prohibited.
- Campaign Finance Reform
- Individual Contribution-Only System
- All campaign financing must come from individual donors only, eliminating party-funded campaigns. Contribution limits may apply to prevent undue influence by any individual or special interest group, and funds must be raised by each candidate independently.
- Public Funding for Qualifying Candidates
- To support fair competition, eligible candidates who demonstrate grassroots support may qualify for limited public campaign funds. Eligibility requirements and funding amounts will be established to ensure that all candidates have equal opportunities to run competitive campaigns.
- Election Process Changes
- Non-Partisan Primary and General Elections
- All candidates will compete in non-partisan primary elections, with the top two or more vote-getters advancing to the general election. Voters will choose based on candidates’ values and positions rather than party alignment.
- Ballot and Voter Education Adjustments
- All ballots will be formatted without party labels, and official voter guides will provide candidate information without partisan identifiers. Voter education initiatives will be implemented to inform citizens about the new election structure and to support the transition to non-partisan voting.
- Congressional and Legislative Realignment
- Elimination of Party-Based Caucuses and Leadership Structures
- All formal party-based caucuses and leadership positions (such as House and Senate Majority and Minority Leaders) will be replaced by new leadership structures based on individual merit and bipartisan support. Legislative committees will be organized around issues rather than partisan priorities.
- Encouragement of Issue-Based Coalitions
- Without parties, legislators will have greater freedom to form coalitions based on shared policy interests and values rather than partisan expectations. This structure will foster cooperation, encourage innovative solutions, and reduce party-driven obstructionism.