Previously, we noted that “two of the federal government’s supposed weaknesses under the Articles of Confederation — its inability to regulate trade among the states and its inability to tax the states” — were examples of hype “…back then — as now — by the politically-minded (who) understood that their personal power would flow with the power inherent in being able to tax and regulate.” (more)
In Part I of this series, I noted two of the federal government’s supposed weaknesses under the Articles of Confederation: its inability to regulate trade among the states and its inability to tax the states. I also noted that the former was indeed a weakness but the latter was not, and that amendments to the Articles of Confederation could have resolved both problems. But, back then — as now — the politically-minded understood that their personal power would flow with the power inherent in being able to tax and regulate. (more)
With the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the 13 American colonies declared themselves to be independent and sovereign states. (Actually, you could say it was 14 states that declared independence, because the area known as Vermont simultaneously separated from New York.) (more)
During the 2008 election cycle, Fox News personality Sean Hannity proclaimed journalism to be dead. As each day passes, the overwhelming evidence and recent polling data clearly prove that assessment to be correct. However, many could argue the industry had lost its so-called objective news coverage decades prior. (more)
It’s only 28 words long: “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” (more)
Elena Kagan, in her hearing on Tuesday, seemed to accept the federal government’s power to force you to eat three servings of fruits and vegetables every day. She opined that it would be a “dumb law” but refused to say it was unconstitutional. (more)
A just-released memo from the Congressional Research Service (CRS) raises fresh constitutional concerns about a provision in President Obama’s health-care law that could impose tens of millions of dollars in fines on Congress, state and local governments. (more)
Whether it’s a correctly called a movement, a backlash or political theater, state declarations of their rights — or in some cases denunciations of federal authority, amounting to the same thing — are on a roll. (more)
The anti-federalists were some of the greatest libertarian-minded thinkers and writers in the history of our nation. They were extremely critical of attempts to unify the thirteen new states under a single Constitution, as they felt that government should be kept as close to home as possible. For example, the anonymous anti-federalist author “Montezuma” wrote an Oct. 17, 1787, article in the Independent Gazetteer titled “A Consolidated Government is a Tyranny,” which later became Antifederalist paper No. 9. (more)
I was looking over my past few articles and I’ve come to the conclusion that people who don’t know me might think I’m a frightening malcontent. Due to the current political climate, it feels like I’m constantly complaining. Thanks to the train wreck being created by the president and Congress, it’s true that I haven’t been so upbeat lately. However, I’m not just some miserably bitter grouch, so I figured I should take some time run down a few things that fill me with genuine optimism. (more)
