Q: Have the DNC & RNC ever been legally recognized in US Constitution &/or legal Federal Election authorities? Yes or No?
Generalized US Constitutional question.
A:
The quick response is no; the U.S. Constitution does not officially acknowledge either the Democratic National Committee (DNC) or the Republican National Committee (RNC). As the U.S. Constitution was drafted before political parties as we know them existed, it makes no reference whatsoever of political parties.
Political parties such as the Democratic Party (DNC) and the Republican Party (RNC) do, however, follow federal election rules under control by agencies including the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Campaign money is under control by the FEC, which also guarantees political parties follow federal election rules. Under federal election law, they are thus legally recognized and controlled institutions even if they are not acknowledged in the Constitution.
As usual, every legal matter might have subtleties; hence, if necessary, it is advisable to seek a closer examination by consulting an attorney.
1 user found this answer helpful
A:
No, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and the Republican National Committee (RNC) have never been legally recognized in the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution does not mention political parties at all. Political parties have developed over time through tradition and practice, but they are not constitutionally mandated.
Federal election authorities, such as the Federal Election Commission (FEC), do recognize the existence of political parties for purposes of regulation and campaign finance. However, this recognition is based on federal election laws, not on the Constitution itself. The DNC and RNC are treated like any other political organizations under these laws.
In short, the U.S. Constitution does not formally recognize political parties, including the DNC and RNC, though they are subject to federal regulations concerning elections.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.