Reform Party of Arizona
USA Constitution Platform for National Candidates

The Executive Committee and at least 70% of the entire State Committee of the RPA have provisionally approved this document for publication. It is proposed for formal approval at the next Reform Party of Arizona State Convention. This platform applies to candidates seeking to represent Arizona in the United States Senate and House of Representatives. In recognition of the distinctly different constitutional roles played by national and state/local elected officials, a separate platform will be developed for state and local candidates.

Please address all questions, comments, and suggestions to: weyrich_comp@yahoo.com.


Original Intent

The Reform Party pledges our total allegiance to the Constitutional Republic of the United States of America. The Reform Party believes interpretation of the Constitution must be based on the Framer's precise words and the meaning intended at that time. The Reform Party totally rejects the concept that the Constitution is a "living document," in which the meaning can be interpreted and altered as society changes. This concept is not only seductive, but totally against the intentions of the Framers. If the citizens of this nation wish to revise or change a portion of the Constitution, there is a provision provided by the Framers called the Constitutional Amendment. It is very interesting the citizens of this nation have only found it necessary to amend the Constitution 27 times in the 212-plus years of its existence.

Right to Keep and Bear Arms

The Reform Party shall strongly support Amendment Two of the Constitution. Americans are one of the few nations on Earth with the right to keep and bear arms. That right is largely responsible for our independence and sovereignty. Our enemies envy us for our success and would deny it so that we become reduced to their level. As a foundation block of the Constitution, it is imperative this freedom remains unhindered so our liberty and independence remain unfettered. The Reform Party must actively work to impeach any politician who would deny the Second Amendment since he is not upholding his oath "... to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States," and would allow the tyranny to prevail. The Second Amendment is the ultimate persuader against a politician or party intent upon domestic mischief or skullduggery.

Privacy

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects will be emphasized. No knock raids and violation of a person's property will not be tolerated. Searches will not be conducted without a properly executed warrant.

Private Property

Private property may not be taken for public use until after just compensation has been paid. Contraband and stolen property may be recovered for return to rightful owners. Forfeiture laws in which private property is confiscated and the burden of proof placed on the citizen for its return must be abolished.

Sovereignty

The United States of America is a Sovereign Republic, subject only to our Creator and not answering to any alien power or foreign potentate. It is, therefore, imperative that we zealously guard and unequivocally maintain the sovereignty of the United States under all circumstances. Any treaty or alliance that surrenders national sovereignty is, by law and our Constitution utterly null and void.

United Nations

Any attempt to establish a global government is a direct threat to our Sovereign Republic and endangers our Constitution, and will be vigorously opposed. We are completely committed to defending the permanent liberty and independence of the United States of America. Due to both overt and covert efforts to subvert our national sovereignty, the United Nations is considered a hostile enemy of this Constitutional Republic. Therefore the UN is to be removed from within our national borders, along with its entities such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Our membership in any such organization should be totally severed. UN ownership or control of land within our borders will be prohibited, and funding or any other support of the UN or any of its agencies or entities by the United States government will be considered a criminal act.

Separation of Powers

Ensure that the federal government adheres strictly to the separation of powers enumerated in the Constitution. Rescind all Executive Orders and Presidential Directives that usurp the authority of Congress to make laws. Deny "Fast Track" authority since it is a clear violation of the separation of powers. End judicial activism as well as the delegation of power by Congress to either of the other branches or to any of its agencies or institutions. Government agencies and institutions having no basis in the Constitution should be promptly terminated or transferred to the respective states. Repeal all emergency powers, thus ensuring power is returned to the Congress, the states and the people in accordance with the original intentions of the US Constitution.

States Rights

Restore states' rights by ensuring the powers not specifically delegated to the Federal government by the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution are restored to the states respectively or to the people. Federal agencies not in compliance with the Tenth Amendment are to be abolished with the attendant responsibilities being transferred to the states respectively.

Constitutional Authority

Require that all legislation brought to the floor of Congress cite the portion of the USA Constitution that grants its authority. Any legislation currently in effect that cannot meet that strict criterion must be rescinded.

War

Restore the sole right of Congress to declare war. The United States military will only be used to protect U.S. citizens, U.S. property and U.S. border integrity. Our troops will not participate under foreign leadership for any reason at any time. The United States military is only to be used when the United States and its people are under, or anticipated to be under, direct invasion, aerial or naval attack. If the United States or our property or borders are attacked or violated, the military shall be given license to seek out and destroy the enemy.

Special Interests

Congress shall make no law that grants financial, political or social benefit to a specific foreign or domestic group or business interest. All current laws that fall into this category shall be abolished. Congress shall have the power and obligation to overturn federal judicial decisions that misinterpret the laws that Congress has passed.

IRS

Congress shall resist tax collection under the Sixteenth Amendment since that amendment was not properly ratified. IRS shall be notified to cease and desist from any further tax collection efforts until Congress has held hearings to ensure proper ratification of a new tax system.

Monetary Policy

As insisted upon by the founding fathers, the U.S. is to operate on a metal money standard without interference or influence from private financial institutions, either foreign or domestic. Dissolve the Federal Reserve Bank, which has no legal basis since it is a foreign owned corporation. The federal government must budget to meet operational requirements rather than raise taxes. It is imperative that taxes at all levels be reduced. The nation will gain the majority of its funding requirements from import taxes and tariffs rather than income, inheritance, or property taxes. Individual states may tax their citizens as required to meet their responsibilities under the Tenth Amendment.

Language and Heritage

The United States shall, in all instances, restrict its official business to the English language. Naturalized citizenship shall not be granted to anyone who is not at least marginally proficient in speaking, reading and understanding the English language, the Constitution of the USA, and our national history.

Public Pay Raises

Only the people may decide, in a general election, if public servants have earned a raise in compensation.

Constitutional Education

A primary responsibility of the federal government is to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the USA. All freshman congressmen should attend classes stressing Constitutional principles and responsibilities for upholding those principles.

The states should embark on rigorous programs of teaching the Constitution of the USA and of each respective state to its population.