Why Party Platforms Matter.

Party platforms are important documents that provide insight into a political party's stance on specific issues and their priorities. They have historically played a significant role in shaping policy and governing, addressing important issues such as slavery, civil rights, and foreign policy. However, in recent years, the importance of platforms has diminished due to the internet and the availability of information from various sources. Nevertheless, platforms still reveal key issues and can have real consequences. For example, the absence of recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital in the 2012 Democratic platform highlighted a divide within the party. In 2020, the Republican Party chose not to draft a traditional platform, which has implications for policy clarity, internal party disputes, and attracting voters. Despite their limitations, platforms are still important for understanding party ideologies and making informed voting decisions. [Extracted from the article]