"The truth is, all might be free if they valued freedom, and defended it as they ought." - Samuel Adams

Constitution 101: The Commerce Clause

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..

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They 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..

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Constitution101: 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..

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Constitution 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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