The Green Party

David Shim ‘26 

Katy Su ‘28

The political landscape of the United States encompasses a diverse array of political parties. From the centuries-long dominant Republicans and Democrats to countless other independent factors, each aligns with and hopes for a unique goal and ideals. The Green Party, in particular, is one such unique, independent political party. Formed in the mid-1990s through the union of existing green parties within states, the primary focus of this group during its creation was to incorporate a variety of interests and approaches influenced by popular social movements (Green Party, n.d.). Modeled after Green Parties in Australia and New Zealand, the group took great strides to cement their place within the political landscape. From reaching bioregional movements to conferencing national green issues to publishing books on Green Politics, the American Green Party quickly ran and was considered within election ballots. 

Their distinguishing features are the four key pillars they pledge to adhere to: Peace and Non-Violence, Ecological Wisdom, Grassroots Democracy, and Social Justice. As indicated by the “Green” in their name, they are focused on preserving environmental aspects, specifically being a “party for ‘We The People,’ the health of our planet, and future generations” (Green Party). With climate change ranked as one of the most pressing issues on a global scale, this party devotes itself to a more sustainable government and society. However, their interests and essential beliefs unexpectedly transcend ecological ideas and branch out to other topics. Coupled with their environmental focus, they dedicate themselves to various current issues such as Women’s Equality, Black Lives Matter Movements, Israel-Palestine, and Gender Equity. Their liberal stance hopes to give equality and awareness to numerous ongoing developments within the U.S., regardless of ethnicity, sexual orientation, and class. According to their website, the necessity for a third party is precious, especially since it allows for a compromise and new ideals between Democratic and Republican beliefs. Furthermore, the Green Party hopes to reform the electoral system. From changing ballot accessibility, fixing corruption, or allowing for more inclusivity in electoral debates, the faction hopes to reform many existing “unfair” structures in the government system. 

This idea of change inspired many of The Green Party’s political movements. Their slogan, “Don’t beat the government, BE the government!” was at the forefront of their campaign, in which they highlighted simply replacing inefficient and corrupt officials rather than complaining about them. The Green Party uses unique strategies and ideas to advocate for their campaign, and its open accessibility within its website corroborates the central theme of transparency it believes in.

References

Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (2024, October 19). Green Party of the United States. Encyclopædia Britannica.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Green-Party-of-the-United-States 

Green Party. (n.d.-b). https://www.gp.org/