War Is the Greatest Enemy of Liberty
James Madison warned of all the enemies of liberty, war was “the most to be dreaded.” Why? Because it “comprises and develops the germ of every other” enemy of liberty. …
James Madison
Defend the Guard: Support the Constitution, Resist the Empire
Defend the Guard is a state-level bill that would stop the deployment of a state’s National Guard units unless specific constitutional criteria are met. Learn more about the bill – …
It’s Not Whatever They Want!
The general welfare clause does not mean “whatever they want.” But that’s how most people treat it today. James Madison called this notion “absurd.” View this post on Instagram A …
A Duty to Resist
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 …
Constitutional Principle Should Trump Policy Preference
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?” …
Today in History: First Declaration of War under the Constitution
On June 18, 1812, President James Madison signed the first declaration of war in U.S. history. On June 1, the president delivered a message to Congress outlining British transgressions against …
2nd Amendment: To Prevent “the Greatest Danger to Liberty”
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 …
Few and Defined
Under the constitution, federal powers are “few and defined.” Well, that’s how founders like James Madison, Roger Sherman and James Wilson told us they’re supposed to be. View this post …
What Does “Necessary” Mean?
Necessary and Proper is one of the most misused and abused clauses in the Constitution. And much of the growth of government power is based on defining the word “necessary” …
Bums. Bums. And More Bums?
What happens when you vote the bums out? You quickly realize you just elected new bums. “Vote the bums out” is a bad political strategy. So, what should we do? …