Republican Principles

Republican Principles:

I am a Republican because:

I believe the strength of our nation lies with the individual and that each person’s dignity, freedom, ability, and responsibility must be honored.

I believe in equal rights and equal justice for all, regardless of race, creed, sex, age, or disability.

I believe that free enterprise and the encouragement of individual initiative have brought this nation opportunity, economic growth, and prosperity.

I believe government must practice fiscal responsibility and allow individuals to keep more of the money they earn.
I believe the proper role of government is to provide for the people only those critical functions that cannot be performed by individuals or private organizations, and that the best government is that which governs least and exercises only those constitutional powers granted to government by the people.

I believe the most effective, responsible, and responsive government is government closest to the people.

I believe Americans must retain the principles that have made us strong while developing new and innovative ideas to meet the challenges of changing times.

I believe Americans value and should preserve our national strength and pride while working to extend peace, freedom, and human rights throughout the world.

Finally, I believe the Republican Party is the best vehicle for translating these ideals into positive and successful principles of government.

“The first organizing convention of the Republican party was in Pittsburgh on February 22, 1856. The gavel fell to open the party's first nominating convention, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on June 17, 1856, announcing the birth of the Republican Party as a unified political force.”