The Tea Party is extremist, not mainstream.
Why do you call them extremist. Because they want the congress to stop the spending. I call that responsible . Most people in the tea party are concerned citizens who want America to be what it was founded on. Lower taxes , less government. Of course you are probably getting your information from the main stream media!!!
I wouldn't say the idea was less government or lower taxes.
1. The colonies weren't really upset by the fact that the taxes were taxes. It was more the fact that they had no say as to in what way they were taxed. (aka taxation without representation)
2. The US government is almost a mirror image of what the British government is. Courts, Executive (monarch, more Prime Minister now), and a Legislative body with an upper house and a lower house. It was set up in no way smaller, but really almost exactly the same size.
3. Understand your history a bit more.
4. Tea Party = Extremist (no questions asked)