What is the Tea Party?
Q: What is the Tea Party?
A: The Tea Party is an American populist political movement that is most commonly described as conservative and libertarian.
Q: What are some of the main goals of the Tea Party?
A: The main goals of the Tea Party include reducing government spending, varying degrees of taxation reduction, reducing national debt and federal budget deficit, wanting a strict interpretation of the US Constitution without changing its meaning to fit modern ideas and advances, and opposing any raising of the debt ceiling.
Q: Where did the name "Tea Party" come from?
A: The name "Tea Party" comes from a protest by colonists in 1773 who objected to a British tax on tea by dumping British tea taken from docked ships into the harbor. Some also say that it stands for "Taxed Enough Already".
Q: Does the Tea Party have any representation in Congress?
A: Yes, there are caucuses (groups) in both House of Representatives and Senate made up of members who were elected during 2010 midterm elections.
Q: Who are some famous figures associated with the Tea Party?
A: Famous figures associated with the Tea party include Republican politicians such Sarah Palin, Ron Paul, and Michele Bachmann.
Q: Is there a central leadership for this movement?
A: No, there is no central leadership for this movement but rather it consists of a loose linking of national and local groups that decide their own platforms and agendas.
Q: How do people view traditional Republican candidates compared to those endorsed by the Tea Party? A: According to Gallup poll results almost 80% percent identify as Republicans while many oppose GOP leadership but even more oppose President Obama's policies. An October 2010 Washington Post canvass found 87% saying dissatisfaction with mainstream Republican party leaders was an important factor in support received so far.
