In the Virginia Resolutions of 1798, Jame Madison insisted that states were "in duty bound to interpose." But this wasn't a new idea. This spirit of resistance was an essential part of the American Revolution.
The post A Duty to Resist first appeared on Tenth Amendment Center.
From a four-step plan to undermine and defeat federal programs in 1788, to a duty to interpose in 1798 - and nullification as a natural right in 1834 - James Madison saw the states and people as essential checks on federal power.
The post Stop the Feds: James Madison-Style first appeared on Tenth Amendment Center.
The first question you should ask about any proposal made by any person in the federal government -- "Is this authorized by the constitution?" Not, Do I like this policy?"
The post Constitutional Principle Should Trump Policy Preference first appeared on Tenth Amendment Center.
Brutus called a national debt "exceeding their ability ever to discharge” a calamity. But he was far from alone.
The post National Debt: A Calamity Upon Us first appeared on Tenth Amendment Center.
1. Individual, natural right of self defense. 2. In defense of liberty, the union, and the states. 3. To prevent the "greatest threat to liberty" - large standing armies.
The post The 2nd Amendment: 3 main reasons it exists first appeared on Tenth Amendment Center.
On June 1, the president delivered a message to Congress outlining British transgressions against the U.S. The grievances primarily revolved around actions taken by the British navy off the U.S. coast.
The post Today in History: First Declaration of War under the Constitution first appeared on Tenth Amendment Center.
The founding generation repeatedly warned us about the great dangers to liberty posed by large standing armies. The best way to guard against that danger? Prevent the need for them - one of the leading principles behind the 2nd Amendment.
The post 2nd Amendment: To Prevent “the Greatest Danger to Liberty” first appeared on Tenth Amendment Center.
Constitutions don't enforce themselves. That's why James Madison called constitutions "parchment barriers."
The post Parchment Barriers With Teeth first appeared on Tenth Amendment Center.
A “frightful despotism,” would be the result of an “alternate domination of one faction over another,” warned George Washington. He was joined - with similar warnings - by Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Mercy Otis Warren, Thomas Jefferson and many others. But this opposition to factions didn’t start with the founding generation at all.
The post The Danger of Factions: Nothing New Under the Sun first appeared on Tenth Amendment Center.
James Madison gave us the blueprint. And the numbers suggest his strategy will work.
The post Vaccine Mandates: What Are Ya Gonna Do About It? first appeared on Tenth Amendment Center.