Five years ago, Rick Santelli’s unscripted remarks on the floor of the Chicago Board of Trade catalyzed a grassroots upsurge of popular discontent directed at the excesses of Washington. Millions of Americans arose in unison to demand the restoration of constitutionalism and limited government. The Tea Party then swept the 2010 elections as the energy of the movement galvanized conservatives in a way not seen since the Contract with America. What has been the Tea Party’s impact, will it last, and what are its future prospects?
