Many conservatives within the Republican Party express frustration with progressive leaders
who dominate state and county levels, often blocking principled conservatives from leadership
roles or candidacies through an entrenched “good ol boy” system. This system prioritizes
party loyalty over the foundational values of limited government, individual liberty, and
personal responsibility. The Independent American Patriots (IAP) Private Membership
Association, as outlined in its Charter of Rights and draft frameworks, emphasizes self-sufficiency,
community resilience, and adherence to the Founding Fathers’ principles, offering
a framework for conservatives seeking alternatives to partisan politics. Drawing on historical
examples, this paper examines how former U.S. presidents bucked party constraints to uphold
these values, urging conservatives to embrace independence to restore the nation’s founding
ideals.
Principled Governance: Historical Context
A study on Principled Governance evaluates eight U.S. presidents—Thomas Jefferson, Andrew
Jackson, Martin Van Buren, John Tyler, Grover Cleveland, Warren G. Harding, Calvin
Coolidge, and Ronald Reagan—for their alignment with the IAP’s values, including limited
government, constitutional fidelity, individual liberty, sound money, and states’ rights.
Despite party affiliations, these presidents often acted independently to uphold these principles.
For example, Jefferson reduced taxes, Jackson vetoed the Second Bank, Tyler was
expelled from the Whig Party, and Cleveland vetoed unconstitutional bills. Their actions
align with the IAP’s emphasis on integrity, self-reliance, and minimal bureaucracy, providing
a historical basis for independent conservatism.
Detailed Examples of Presidential Independence
Thomas Jefferson (1801–1809)
Thomas Jefferson, a founder of the Democratic-Republican Party, prioritized principles over
party loyalty. He pardoned individuals jailed under the Alien and Sedition Acts, viewing
them as unconstitutional violations of civil liberties. This act challenged the Federalist
agenda and reinforced his commitment to the Bill of Rights. Jefferson also expressed skepticism
toward party allegiance, stating, “I never submitted the whole system of my opinions
to the creed of any party of men whatever… If I could not go to heaven but with a party, I
would not go there at all.” His actions and words inspire conservatives to value independent
thought over partisan conformity.
Andrew Jackson (1829–1837)
Andrew Jackson, despite founding the Democratic Party, acted independently when principles
demanded it. His veto of the Second Bank’s recharter in 1832, opposed by many
Democrats were based on his belief that it was unconstitutional and favored elites. His veto
message emphasized protecting the common citizen, aligning with IAP values of fairness
and limited federal power. During the Nullification Crisis, Jackson asserted federal authority
against South Carolina’s tariff nullification, balancing states’ rights with national unity,
demonstrating principled governance over party pressures.
Martin Van Buren (1837–1841)
Martin Van Buren, a key Democratic Party leader, showed independence through his advocacy
for the Independent Treasury system during the economic crisis following the Panic of 1837. This system aimed to separate government funds from private banks, promoting fiscal
independence and sound money. Despite opposition from within his own party, including
influential figures like Governor William Marcy of New York, Van Buren persisted, and the
system was established in 1840 Independent Treasury. His commitment to this policy, even
against party resistance, highlights his dedication to principled governance.
John Tyler (1841–1845)
John Tyler’s presidency exemplifies breaking free from party constraints. After assuming
office, he vetoed Whig-backed national bank bills, believing they violated states’ rights,
leading to his expulsion from the Whig Party. Governing as an independent, Tyler set a
precedent for vice presidents assuming full presidential powers, prioritizing constitutional
limits over party loyalty. His actions resonate with the IAP’s call for integrity and minimal
bureaucratic interference, offering a model for independent conservatism.
Grover Cleveland (1885–1889, 1893–1897)
Grover Cleveland, a Democrat, used his veto power extensively to uphold limited government.
His 1887 veto of the Texas Seed Bill, which proposed aid for drought-stricken farmers, was
based on his belief that federal intervention was unconstitutional and that private charity
should prevail. Cleveland also vetoed a taxpayer-funded 4th of July celebration, arguing for
private funding. These decisions, often unpopular, reflect the IAP’s emphasis on self-reliance
and fiscal responsibility.
Warren G. Harding (1921–1923)
Warren G. Harding demonstrated principled governance by commuting the sentence of Eugene
V. Debs, a socialist leader imprisoned for anti-war activities during World War I. In
1921, Harding released Debs, citing the end of the war and a desire for national healing Harding
Pardons Debs. This act of clemency, potentially unpopular among some Republicans,
highlighted Harding’s prioritization of mercy and reconciliation over strict party ideology.
Calvin Coolidge (1923–1929)
Calvin Coolidge exemplified independent conservatism through his vetoes of the McNary-
Haugen farm relief bills in 1927 and 1928. These bills, supported by some Republicans and
agricultural interests, proposed government intervention to stabilize farm prices. Coolidge
argued that such measures would lead to price-fixing and bureaucratic overreach, contrary
to limited government principles Coolidge Vetoes. His steadfast commitment to free-market
principles, despite political pressure, demonstrates his dedication to foundational values.
Ronald Reagan (1981–1989)
Ronald Reagan, a Republican icon, showed pragmatic independence. His signing of the
1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act, granting amnesty to millions, was controversial
among conservatives. Reagan also agreed to tax increases after initial cuts to address
deficits and negotiated the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with the Soviet Union,
despite hardline conservative opposition. These actions demonstrate his willingness to prioritize
national interest over strict party ideology, aligning with the IAP’s call for principled
leadership.
Conclusion: A Call for Independent Conservatism
The examples of Jefferson, Jackson, Van Buren, Tyler, Cleveland, Harding, Coolidge, and
Reagan illustrate that principled governance can transcend party loyalty. Their commitment
to limited government, liberty, and personal responsibility, often in defiance of party
pressures, aligns with the IAP’s framework of self-sufficiency, community resilience, and constitutional
fidelity, as outlined in its Charter of Rights and draft frameworks. Conservatives
disillusioned with the Republican Party’s progressive leanings should draw inspiration from
these presidents and consider becoming independent conservatives. By aligning with organizations
like the IAP, they can work toward restoring the nation’s founding ideals, free
from the constraints of the “good ol boy” system. As Jefferson warned, party allegiance can
degrade free thought; let us embrace independence to honor our constitutional heritage.
