LAD #23: The Populist Party Platform

In reaction to the rise of big business within America the Populist Party Platform, claiming to represent the political desires and rights of the common working man, devised a "Declaration of Independence" condemning the atrocities present within cities and hopes for self-protection by the abuses of big business. Also, the use of silver as an acceptable form of currency is advocated for, stating that the restriction of which is a tool of the government to maintain the power of the large businesses. Assertions are made in which it is argued that agricultural productivity allows for billions of dollars to be generated on account of crops, yet these crops depreciate the value of the dollar, leaving those that produce the raw materials for finished goods in a ring of depression and falling prices, prompting poverty. Simply, these common men seek to restore the power in business and government to the hands of those that it gains its power from; the people. In the following section they declare their policies and potential resolutions. They firmly stand for the use of silver and gold coinage, legalizing of union labor forces, and government ownership of industries such as railroads, telegraph, and telephone. Conclusively, they want fair rights for polling and ballots that will ensure political safety.