| Independent American Party | |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1998 |
| International affiliation | None |
| Official colors | Yellow, blue, white |
| Website | |
| http://www.IndependentAmericanParty.org | |
| Politics of the United States Political parties Elections |
|
The Independent American Party (IAP) officially started in 1998. It began as the Utah Independent American Party. The founders claim to have been inspired by a speech given by Ezra Taft Benson, former United States Secretary of Agriculture, entitled “The Proper Role of Government”. The initial party platform was based on Benson’s beliefs. The 15 principles for the proper role of government, taken from his speech, are held as the IAP’s basis for recruiting.
In 1998 three options were presented, 1) to remain affiliated with the national American Party (AP), 2) to affiliate with the National U.S. Taxpayers Party (later named Constitution Party), or 3) create the National Independent American Party (IAP). On 16 May, 1998, the Utah IAP held a straw vote favoring the formation of a National Independent American Party. A committee of six individuals was selected to initiate the organization and by November 7, 1998 the National IAP was recognized by a binding vote of 79%.
In January 1999 the national IAP began holding semi-annual National Conferences. The national chairman attended a number of state and national conventions of other like-minded third parties across the nation to build ties. The IAP web site (launched in September 1998) grew and attracted individual members in about forty states.
In 2001 the IAP grew from one state party (Utah) to three organized state parties (Minnesota, Tennessee and Utah), and twelve prospective state parties. Area Coordinators were assigned to each of four regions of the country. The IAP adopted its first National Platform in August, 2002 and ended the year with three organized and 18 prospective state parties. In 2003 the Party changed the structure of its officer positions from the traditional Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary and Treasurer, and elected a Chair and 4 Vice-Chairs. Each Vice-Chair was to be a leader over not only a geographical area (Western, Mid-Western, North-Eastern, and South), but each leader led one of the five Standing Committees (Rules, Events, Membership, Issues, and Media).
By 2004 the party involvement dwindled, and did not have ballot status in any state.
http://www.independentamericanparty.org/education-center/the-principles-of-liberty/