There is a wealth of information and well thought out theory in the Federalist Papers. Hamilton says “No legislative act, therefore, contrary to the Constitution, can be valid.” Click to read a brief breakdown of this key Hamilton quote.
I’ve been doing a lot of reading recently, specifically about Soviet Russia and how Communism actually worked. It’s been terrifying, enlightening, sobering and clarifying. My view of American liberty has shifted and evolved as a result. My view of Communism has also shifted and evolved. I don’t think I’ve ever really understood the horrors of communism before now and I’m still struggling to grapple with the vastness of its evil.
“In the eyes of democracy, government is not a good; it is a necessary evil” (194). “This is seen very clearly in the United States, where wages seem in a way to decrease as the power of officials is greater” (204). – Alexis de Tocqueville An analogy has been crystalizing in my mind the more I …
Employer (The People), Employee (The Government) and Job Description (The Constitution) Read More »
Go with me on this. I think this type of thought experiment is heathy for Americans every once in a while since we’re so spoiled by our Constitution. Let’s just imagine daily life without a Constitution. That would mean that the government is completely unconfined and can do whatever it pleases. It is the final …
What is it that makes America so unique? Why has the U.S. Constitution lasted longer than any other written constitution in history? The answer is pivotal to protecting the U.S. Constitution. Read to find out!
I’ve reviewed the Constitution many times but I’ve never really touched on the Declaration of Independence. While the declaration was just that, a declaration, and has no legal effects on the political system of the U.S. today, it is a profound document, speaking volumes about the men and country who wrote it, so today I …
It’s fascinating to read these Federalist Papers and apprehend the thoughts of America’s greatest thinkers and founders. So much thought went into such a short document: the Constitution.
In this post, I finish up my analysis of Hamilton’s Federalist 78, in which he discusses the judiciary. His interpretation of the judiciary is perhaps more loose than that of some of the other founders (namely, Madison), but he shares the following fundamental belief with all his fellow founders—in all cases of law and interpretation, the Constitution is supreme.
The issue with arbitrary power is not necessarily what it’s used for but that it’s arbitrary. Arbitrary power has been used for good, many times. There have been innumerable Kings and Queens and Emperors and benevolent rulers who’ve possessed arbitrary power and, at times, used their power for what many deemed “the good of the …
Arbitrary Power: The Court’s Ability to Declare Government Acts Constitutional Read More »
Friends, liberty must first live in the hearts of the people before it can reside in the chambers of government. Consider: what if we do re-establish the supremacy of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and liberty at the government level? Does this guarantee liberty? No. It does nothing if liberty is not firmly established, practiced and embraced at the individual level. Click to read more.
There’s a quote by Alexis de Tocqueville I wanted to share with everyone. It’s perhaps more relevant today than it ever was. The more I teach and give talks on the Constitution, the more I realize just how much the Constitution is an idea that derives its power from the belief that we have in …
Limits of Government Can Only Be Discerned by The Understanding Read More »