LP Bylaws

Article 1. Name
These articles shall govern the association known as the "Libertarian party," hereinafter referred as to as the "Party."

Article 2. Period of Duration
The duration of the Party shall be perpetual.

Article 3. Purposes
The Party is organized to implement and give voice to the principles emobodied in the State of Principles by: functioning as a libertarian political entity seperate and distinct from all other political parties or movements; moving public policy in a libertarian direction by building a political party that elects Libertarians to public office; chartering affiliate parties throughout the United States and promoting their growth and activitie; nominating candidates for President and Vice-President of the United States, and supporting party and affiliate party candidates for political office; and, entering into public information activities.

Article 4. Statement of Principles and Platform

 * 1) The Statement of Principles affirms that philosophy upon which the Libertarian Party is founded, by which it shall be sustained, and through which liberty shall prevail. The enduring importance of the Statement of Principles requires that it may be amended only by a vote of 7/8 of all registered delegates at a Regular Convention.
 * 2) The Party Platform shall include, but not be limited to, the Statement of Principles and the implementation of those principles in the form of planks.
 * 3) The current Platform shall serve as the basis of all future platforms. The exisiting Platform may be amended only at Regular Conventions. Additional planks, or additions to planks, must be approved by 2/3 vote. A platform plank may be deleted by majoirty vote.

Article 5. Membership

 * 1) Members of the Party shall be those persons who have certified in writing that they oppose the initiation of force to achieve political or social goals.
 * 2) The Ntaional Committee may offer life memberships, and must honor all prior and future life memberships.
 * 3) "Sustaining member" is any Party member who has given at least $25 to the Party in the prior tweleve months, or who is a life member.
 * 4) The National Committee may create other levels of membership and shall determine the contribution of dues levels for such membership.
 * 5) Higher levels of contribution by or on behalf of a Party member qualify as sustaining member status for any provision of these Bylaws.
 * 6) Only sustaining members shall be counted for delegate appointment and National Committee representation. Only sustaining members shall be eligible to hold National party office or be a candididate for President or Vice-President.