This week, we continue looking at constitutional clauses often misconstrued to give the government more power than intended. Two weeks ago, we started with the general welfare clause, and last week we followed up with the necessary and proper clause. This week, we will take up probably the clause most often used to justify federal..
Read moreThey All Suck
Sometimes I feel like just throwing in the towel. I have to be honest: I didn't get into political activism because I thought it was a pathway to fame and riches. Anybody involved in this kind of work knows the rewards don't come in the form of a padded bank account, or even respect and..
Read moreConstitution 101: Necessary and Proper, Not Anything and Everything
Last week, we considered the first of several constitutional clauses often misinterpreted to expand federal power. We started with the “general welfare clause,” and established that it does not give the federal government the authority to do anything and everything that might promote the general welfare of the United States. This week we take up..
Read moreConstitution101: The General Welfare Clause
When challenged on the federal government’s constitutional authority to create welfare programs, meddle in education or run a national healthcare system, progressives will almost always appeal to the “general welfare clause.” Huffington Post columnist Paul Abrams demonstrated this line of thinking in a March 9, 2011, piece. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1 grants the..
Read moreConstitution 101: Who Decides Constitutionality?
In previous Constitution 101 articles, I’ve shown that states were intended to serve as a check on federal power and that nullification creates a process to do so. I also pointed out that the federal government does indeed enjoy supremacy, but delegated powers limit that supremacy. All legitimate federal act must be “in pursuance” of..
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