The Independence Party of Minnesota's principles are the foundation and guide for everything the Independence Party of Minnesota does. They are part of the party constitution and candidate endorsement criteria. The same principles apply to every Independence Party of Minnesota leader, candidate, and member as they perform their respective duties. These principles define the party, provide a reference point when interpreting unclear matters, and serve as the Independence Party of Minnesota's moral compass as the party and individual members engage controversial matters and encounter the temptations of political power. The Independence Party of Minnesota's principles help assure members and the general public that the Independence Party of Minnesota is indeed the party it claims to be and its candidates are worthy of the public trust.
The Independence Party of Minnesota's principles are:
| Integrity | We are what we are and we don't pretend to be something we are not. Our word is good and we are accountable for the promises we make. In our personal actions and party affairs, we seek to exemplify the same fair, open, and democratic processes we advocate for our government. Before we evaluate others in the light of our principles, we stand first in the light ourselves. |
| Dignity | We respect all people as equal human beings possessing certain inalienable rights which include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Each member has an equal voice and vote in our party, and we conduct ourselves so as to honor the people and institutions we serve. As a party, we advocate public policy only where broad member consensus exists and respectfully leave action on other matters to the free exercise of individual conscience and discretion. |
| Justice | All citizens deserve equal rights, protection, and opportunity under the law. In our party and public affairs, we are ever vigilant to promote only those rules and laws which assure equity and freedom for all citizens. |
| Responsibility | We are accountable for our actions or failure to act, and it is up to us to generate the results we want. We readily assume the duties mandated by our purpose, and we seek to manifest excellence in performing our agreed upon tasks. |
| Service | Political power belongs to the people and is only entrusted to those who serve. In our endeavors, we work for the benefit of all citizens, not ourselves alone. Our job is to fulfill the expectations of those who have honored us with their trust. |
| Community | As individuals, party, and nation, we live in relationship with each other and the earth. While exercising our rights and pursuing our individual interests, we are also mindful of the good of the whole. As a party, we endeavor to articulate the public good through open democratic processes and then manifest that good in our communities, state, and nation. |
Learn more about the Independence Party in the 2nd Congressional District!
The primary focus of District 2 is to bring Minnesota politics back to pressing issues, including health care, education, transportation, environmental preservation and economic factors, such as dependency on foreign oil.
We stand for government and political leadership that serves the highest long-term interests of our state and oppose partisan politics based solely on self-interest, extremism, or special interests.
