Nonpartisanism in United States Politics and Organizations
The concept of nonpartisanism—the idea of operating or electing officials without formal party affiliation—has a complex history in the United States. While some view it as a way to elevate local issues above national political divides, others argue that political parties are essential vehicles for representing the interests of ordinary voters.
Historian Sean Wilentz describes the recurring call for Americans to move beyond party lines as the post-partisan style. This trend can be traced from George Washington's farewell address to Senator Barack Obama's 2004 Democratic National Convention speech. However, Wilentz contends that this "antiparty current" is inherently antidemocratic, as parties provide the most reliable means for voters to advance their specific ideas and interests.
Nonpartisan Elections in the U.S.
Despite the debate over post-partisan rhetoric, nonpartisan elections are common at the local level. These are primarily designed to prevent national political conflicts from overshadowing local governance.
Today, these elections are typically held for municipal and county offices, including school boards and judicial positions. In terms of legislative bodies, the unicameral (single-chamber) Legislature of Nebraska is the only state legislature that is officially nonpartisan. Similarly, the bicameral (two-chamber) Fono of American Samoa is the only territorial legislature to maintain this status.
It is important to note that "official" nonpartisan status does not always mean a lack of party influence. In larger cities, counties, and the Nebraska legislature, candidates' affiliations are often inferred through endorsements. For example, a candidate backed by a labor union is generally viewed as affiliated with the Democratic Party, while one endorsed by a business coalition is typically seen as affiliated with the Republican Party.
Nonpartisan Requirements for Non-Profits
Nonpartisanism is not only a political choice but a legal requirement for certain organizations. Churches and charities in the U.S. are generally formed under the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax code 501(c)(3). To maintain their tax-exempt status and allow donors to claim tax deductions, these non-profit organizations must remain nonpartisan.
This requirement often leads to scrutiny of organizations that appear to lean toward a specific political ideology. A prominent example is the Brookings Institution, a Washington, D.C. think tank. Founded in 1916, it has maintained a nonpartisan status while featuring both Republicans and Democrats in its leadership. Despite this, external perceptions vary; The New York Times has described the organization as liberal, liberal-centrist, centrist, and conservative, including a 2008 reference to it as the "conservative Brookings Institution."
Historical Nonpartisan Movements
The Nonpartisan League
During the Progressive Era of the 1910s and 1920s, the Nonpartisan League emerged as an influential socialist political movement, particularly in the Upper Midwest. Its ideology also influenced the former Progressive Party of Canada. The movement eventually declined and merged with the Democratic Party of North Dakota in 1956 to form the North Dakota Democratic–NPL Party.
The "Nonpartisans" of Milwaukee
In Milwaukee, the term "Nonpartisans" referred to an unofficial coalition of Republicans and Democrats. From the 1910s through the 1940s, this group cooperated to prevent "Sewer Socialists" from winning office. These candidates were often called "fusion" candidates and were clearly identified as such in the press, even in officially nonpartisan elections. Between 1935 and 1941, during a period of cooperation between Socialists and Progressives, the opposing sides were categorized as "Progressives" and "Nonpartisans."
Key Facts
- Nebraska is the only U.S. state with an entirely officially nonpartisan legislature.
- 501(c)(3) organizations must remain nonpartisan to keep their tax-exempt status.
- Nonpartisan elections are most common for school boards, municipal offices, and judges.
- The Nonpartisan League was a socialist movement in the Upper Midwest that later merged into the North Dakota Democratic–NPL Party.
- The Fono of American Samoa is the only officially nonpartisan territorial legislature.
Summary of Nonpartisan Entities
| Entity/Group | Type | Nature of Nonpartisanism |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Legislature | State Government | Officially nonpartisan unicameral body. |
| 501(c)(3) Organizations | Non-profit/Charity | Legally required for tax-exempt status. |
| Brookings Institution | Think Tank | Nonpartisan 501(c)(3) with diverse leadership. |
| Nonpartisan League | Political Movement | Socialist movement (Progressive Era). |
| Milwaukee "Nonpartisans" | Political Coalition | Unofficial alliance against Sewer Socialists. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "post-partisan style"?
The post-partisan style is a political approach where leaders call upon citizens to move beyond party affiliations. Historian Sean Wilentz argues this is antidemocratic because parties are the primary vehicles for representing ordinary voters.
Why are some local elections nonpartisan?
Local elections, such as those for school boards and municipal offices, are often nonpartisan to prevent national political issues from interfering with local governance.
How do voters identify candidates in nonpartisan elections?
Voters often look at endorsements. For instance, candidates endorsed by labor unions are typically associated with the Democratic Party, while those endorsed by business coalitions are associated with the Republican Party.
Why must 501(c)(3) organizations be nonpartisan?
Under IRS regulations, these organizations must remain nonpartisan to maintain their tax-exempt status and to ensure that donors can take a tax deduction for their contributions.
What was the Nonpartisan League?
The Nonpartisan League was a socialist political movement active in the Upper Midwest during the 1910s and 1920s, which eventually merged with the Democratic Party of North Dakota in 1956.