1. The Preamble
The Preamble starts with the People’s Party stating that they are happy to be meeting, as the country’s corruption must be addressed. They then argue that the United States has such a large focus on industrialization and money, that the rights of the people are being ignored. They say that working conditions are bad, opinions are silenced, hard-earned money is robbed from the people, and only the millionaires really have a chance at prosperity. The price of silver has decreased, adding to the value of gold and decreasing the value of property and human labor, and if this is not addressed, it can lead to the destruction of civilization or too much power in the hands of the wealthy. The Party goes on to explain that the wealthy are sacrificing others for their own corrupt profit. They then say that their goal is to restore power to the common man (“plain people”), and that those desires line up with the Constitution (“form a more perfect union and establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity”). The Populist Party closes their statements about the Preamble by stating that since the country is faced with new and difficult conditions, if given the power, they will correct these evils with fair legislation.
2. The Platform
The Populist Party’s Platform touches on several different points. First, the union of labor forces within the United States should always be allowed, and its purpose (to fight for rights) should be the spirit that is felt throughout America. Second, wealth belongs to the people who earn it, but money taken from an industry without payment in return is considered robbery. The party believes that “if any will not work, neither shall he eat.” They also believe that both rural and civil businesses should be treated equally. Concerning finance, the Populist Party demands national currency that is issued only by the general government. The party goes on to state more specific demands: that coinage of silver and gold is free and unlimited, that the amount of circling currency be increased to $50 or more per capita, that the income tax increases, and that the money be kept in the hands of the people (state and national expenses should be paid by gov’t and savings banks should be established). The Populist Platform also believes that the government should own and operate the railroads and telegraphs for the peoples’ benefit. Finally, concerning land, this party’s Platform believes that it should not be monopolized, and all lands held by railroads/corporations or owned by aliens should be taken back by the government and held for settlers only.
3. The Resolutions that made up the Expression of Sentiments
The Populist Party’s Expression of Sentiments is separate from its Platform, but is expressive of the previously stated issues that are now solved. The issues resolved include: the demand of a free ballot and fair count in elections, lowering income tax for industries, pledged support of fair pensions for ex-Union soldiers/sailors, restriction on undesirable emigration and protection for American workers, acceptance of labor unions and enforcement of the eight-hour law on government work, the idea that mercenaries (the Pinkerton system) should be abolished, agreement of the initiative and referendum, limits on the President and Vice-President’s office to one term and allowing a direct vote of the people to determine the election of Senators, the prevention of supplying national aid to any private corporation, and finally, the idea that this convention supports the Knights of Labor and their competition with Rochester clothing manufacturers, which they believe all who hate tyranny should not purchase the goods made by these manufacturers.
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| These are campaign buttons for the Populist Party (1892) |
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| Donald Trump can be called a Populist because he appeals to the common man and not just the elite. |
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