More specifically, Thomas Jefferson gave clear interpretations of these clauses when he and James Madison argued against Hamilton’s national bank in the late 18th century. Here’s Jefferson’s comment about the Commerce clause.

“For the power given to Congress by the Constitution does not extend to the internal regulation of the commerce of a State, (that is to say of the commerce between citizen and citizen,) which remain exclusively with its own legislature; but to its external commerce only, that is to say, its commerce with another State, or with foreign nations, or with the Indian tribes.” –Thomas Jefferson, Jefferson’s Opinion on the Constitutionality of a National Bank : 1791. http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/bank-tj.a…

Note that Jefferson also volunteered his common-sense interpretation of the general welfare clause in the above linked document, not included here for brevity.

“Congress is not empowered to tax for those purposes which are within the exclusive province of the States.” –Chief Justice Marshall, GIBBONS V. OGDEN, 1824. http://supreme.justia.com/us/22/1/case.html

“Direct control of medical practice in the states is obviously beyond the power of Congress.” –Linder v. United States, 1925. http://supreme.justia.com/us/268/5/case.html

Have you seen these Nancy?

"The 10th amendment does place one significant limit on Congress and the federal government: Congress cannot “commandeer” state officials to administer programs. It must get the consent of state officials who are asked, e.g., to run health programs for the poor or to help build highways. "

If the 10th amendment prohibits them from commandeering the states to do their bidding then how does it not also prevent them from commandeering the people to do their bidding, such as buying health insurance?

The limits the Federal employees in black robes place upon their employers are of course ridicules in their near meaninglessness and contradictions.
The state must bring an end to this limitless power mongering madness.

Thanks for the link.

I really liked this part about Virginians and their desire to preserve the Constitution, and with it the Union. Such sentiments could easily be those of a modern-day "tenther":

"They respect too affectionately the opinions of those possessing the same rights under the same instrument, to make every difference of construction a ground of immediate rupture. They would, indeed, consider such a rupture as among the greatest calamities which could befall them; but not the greatest. There is yet one greater, submission to a government of unlimited powers."

Here's something I came across just recently that your post reminded me of:
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/19th_century/jeffdec1….

Gotta love Virginia!

Cheers,

-Joshua
http://www.ForgottenMen.com