Tea Party vs John Birch Society: Difference and Comparison

In the history of American politics, both the Tea Party and John Birch Society have contributed in some way or the other. Both these parties share common ideologies, points of view and functions.

But they cannot be confused with each other as there are many differences in their outlook and construction of society.

Key Takeaways

1. • The Tea Party is a conservative, libertarian-leaning political movement focused on limiting government intervention and promoting fiscal responsibility. At the same time, the John Birch Society is a far-right organization advocating for strict constitutionalism and anti-communist policies.The Tea Party gained prominence in the late 2000s, driven by grassroots activism and dissatisfaction with government spending. In contrast, the John Birch Society was founded in the 1950s during the Cold War era.The Tea Party has significantly impacted the Republican Party and American politics, while the John Birch Society’s influence has waned over the years.

Tea Party vs John Birch Society

The difference between the Tea Party and the John Birch Society is that the Tea Party is primarily concerned with the economy. In contrast, the John Birch Society works on society and the economy. The latter came into being during the war, strongly opposing communism. The Tea Party was formed to fight against the then government’s overspending on budget, free-market, and immigration policies.

The Tea Party is a political group that was formed considering many small organisations that shared some common interests and goals.

From its formation, it was anti-government and overtly criticized its taxation policies. It wants to give the limited state powers and focus more on individual freedom. 

The John Birch Society, on the other hand, proclaims itself as a right-wing political party that was formed in 1958. It was mainly advocating against the principles of communism, any form of authoritarianism.

It also glorifies family values, Christian ethics as well as constitutional rights.

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison	Tea Party	John Birch Society
Founding Year	The Tea Party was formed in 2009.	The John Birch Society was established in 1958.
Source of Name	The party’s name has been derived from the ‘Boston Tea Party.’	The John Birch Society got its name from the founder.
Leader	This party does not have a national leader.	The John Birch Society has a national leader and follows a hierarchy.
Concerns	It mainly concerns itself with the economic responsibilities of the government.	This party works both on the societal and fiscal responsibility of the government.
Scale of work	The Tea Party works on local levels.	Since it is a national party, it functions on a broader level.

What is Tea Party? 

The Tea Party is a group of small organizations clubbed together that share common interests. It started its journey in 2009 when the election for the President of the United States was going on.

This is an organization that puts its focus more on the economy than social issues.  

The word’ Tea Party’ came into use when Rick Santelli lashed out at Obama on his ‘mortgage relief plan.

The reference of the term is ‘Boston Tea Party ‘, and as the supporters declared, ‘Tea’ stands for ‘taxed enough already. Initially, it followed an anti-government tone, criticising it for its free-market policy. 

Unlike other political parties, the Tea Party does not have a national leader and mainly works locally.

At present, the Tea Party has three main agendas- focusing on the financial status of the government, free-market policy and limited authority of the government. 

This is not a central organization and does not wish to function as a full-fledged political party. On the other hand, the lack of hierarchy is seen as a symbol of strength rather than weakness.

However, over time it has lost its goal, and different controversies and conflicts have contributed to its fall.

What is John Birch Society?

The John Birch Society was formed in 1958 in Indiana as a political party that supports right-wing politics. The founder of this political organization was a businessman named Robert W. Welch Jr.

It overtly opposes ideologies of communism, authoritarianism, conservatism and socialism.  

The party believed in the idea of personal freedom and constitutional rights and advocated for it. However, it does not endorse the complete autonomy of pure democracy as it sees it as ‘mob rule.

On the other hand, it opposes any anarchical form of rule that means the absence of government. So, it demands a government that would assure personal freedom, constitutional rights, and limited governance. 

They are entirely against the idea of ‘one world government’ and the government’s control over property.

They believe in private ownership of properties, fundamentals of capitalism where people can benefit from the surplus of capital. They emphasize the family as the founding unit of society rather than the concept of ‘state’. 

For them, God is the origin of rights, and they strongly oppose any atheistic belief. This political party firmly supports ideas of individualism and morality.

This party has a national presence but also works at the local level. 

Main Differences Between Tea Party and John Birch Society

1. The Tea Party works mainly on local levels, whereas the John Birch Society functions on the national level. 
2. In 2009, the Tea Party came into existence. But the John Birch Society was formed in 1958. 
3. The Tea Party does not have a national leader. The John Birch Society has a President, and his name is Martin Ohlson. 
4. The Tea Party’s leanings are more towards the country’s economy, whereas the John Birch Society is concerned with the country’s social and economic aspects. 
5. The Tea Party’s name has been derived from ‘Boston Tea Party. The John Birch Society has been named after its founder. 

References

1. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/ps-political-science-and-politics/article/who-wants-to-have-a-tea-party-the-who-what-and-why-of-the-tea-party-movement/49B1773A21C29819E071B702D619A7E7
2. https://search.proquest.com/openview/d2b6732ddc7b2a09cd42118893183832/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=1816616