Tennessee Senate Affirms Sovereignty under the 10th Amendment
On May 4th, the Tennessee State Senate voted unanimously in support of Senate Joint Resolution 311 (31 yay – 0 nay). The resolution, sponsored by Senator Randy McNally, is designed to send Congress a message that the federal government has overstepped its Constitutional bounds by mandating a massive amount of federal policies upon the states in violation of the 10th Amendment.
Why the 10th Amendment?
The recent rejuvenation of interest in State’s rights, nullification, and secession has been a welcome result of the explosion of federal power since the housing and credit bubbles burst last fall. The 10th Amendment movements and “tea parties” are, at least on one level, a pure form of “republicanism.” Unfortunately, there are those who call themselves Republicans who have little understanding about the history of the republic, namely how the Founding generation conceptualized the “united States” as Jefferson called it in the Declaration of Independence.
New Oklahoma Sovereignty Resolution
In response to Governor Henry’s veto of House Joint Resolution 1003, Oklahoma State Rep. Charles Key has reintroduced the resolution as House Concurrent Resolution 1028. Passage in both the House and Senate on a concurrent resolution will not require signature from the governor.
HCR1028 is “A Concurrent Resolution claiming sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over certain powers; serving notice to the federal government to cease and desist certain mandates; providing that certain federal legislation be prohibited or repealed; and directing distribution.”
Principle of states’ rights is neither new nor ‘radical’
As a country governed by a written Constitution, the right to keep government in check is vested in “we the people.†That means that we, the people of this country, cannot be forced to accept an oppressive and intrusive federal government. Under Senate Resolution 632, the Georgia Senate expressed bipartisan support for the principles of Jeffersonian democracy.
The Forgotten Amendment
One amendment has been totally ignored by our political leaders. The forgotten amendment is the tenth amendment which enumerates the rights of states and the people.
Alaska Sovereignty Resolution on way to Governor
In Alaska, House Joint Resolution 27 is “Awaiting Transmittal to the Governor” as the State Senate passed it on April 19th with a vote of 19-0 (1 absent). The resolution previously passed the State House with a vote of 37-0 (3 absent) – and the revised version passed on the 19th with a vote of 40-0.
Why a Tenth Amendment?
Most of the states demanded a constitutional amendment explicitly limiting the federal government to those enumerated in the Constitution. That amendment became the Tenth.
On the Air in California
This past Thursday, the Tenth Amendment Center’s Michael Boldin was interviewed by Rob Johnson on The Patriot 840AM in Modesto, California. Mr Johnson is a strong supporter of limited government and adherence to the constitution.
Talking Constitution in Seattle
Professor Rob Natelson of the University of Montana School of Law is an expert on the framing and adoption of the United States Constitution. He was recently interviewed by Dori Monson on NewsTalk 97.3 FM in Seattle – it’s definitely worth the listen.
States Rights Are Rapidly Eroding
The Founding Fathers understood that a one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t work, especially in a country the size of America, and it certainly doesn’t work for Texas. Our economic strength, compared to the federal budget mess and other states’ troubles, is evidence that Texans know what’s best for Texas.
Kevin Gutzman to appear on CNN
Kevin Gutzman: noted Constitutional Scholar, University Professor and the best-selling author of “The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Constitution” will be appearing on the Lou Dobbs show on CNN on Wednesday 04-15-09 – the estimated time is 7:30PM Eastern.
States’ Rights Hypocrites Emerge
One of the stupidest attacks on advocates of the Tenth Amendment that I’ve recently seen was written by Brian Hicks and published in The (Charleston) Post and Courier
10th Amendment Resolution Introduced in Wisconsin
On April 9, 2009, Wisconsin State Senators Leibham, Lazich, Darling, Grothman, Harsdorf and Schultz introduced Senate Resolution 6 (SR6) to claim “sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government by the U.S.Constitution” Read the full text of the resolution [...]
Texas versus the Federal Government?
Gov. Rick Perry on Thursday joined state Rep. Brandon Creighton and sponsors of House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 50 in support of states’ rights under the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Indiana Senate Passes SR42 Claiming Sovereignty under the 10th Amendment
On 04-09-09, the Indiana Senate passed Senate Resolution 42 (SR0042) to claim “sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government by the Constitution of the United States.”
North Dakota House Passes HR59 for State Sovereignty
On April 7, 2009, the North Dakota House of Representatives passed House Concurrent Resolution 59 (HR59) “affirming North Dakota’s sovereignty under the 10th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and to demand the federal government halt its practice of assuming powers and imposing mandates on the states for purposes not enumerated in the Constitution of the United States.”
Alaska House Passes HJR27 for State Sovereignty
On April 6, 2009, the Alaska House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed House Joint Resolution 27 (HJR27) which “claims sovereignty for the state under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government by the Constitution of the United States”
Georgia Senate Passes SR632 Affirming States’ Rights
On April 1, 2009, the Georgia State Senate passed Resolution 632 (SR632) “Affirming states’ rights based on Jeffersonian principles.” The vote was a resounding 43-1, with 12 not voting or excused. Here’s the tally.
Illinois and the Powers not Delegated
On March 31, 2009 Illinois State Senator Bill Brady introduced Senate Resolution 181 (SR0181), which “Urges the President of the United States, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States, and the legislative leaders of each State’s legislature in the United States to cease and desist, effective immediately, any and all mandates that are beyond the scope of their constitutionally delegated power.”
Michigan: The Confines and Original Intent
In Michigan, State Senator Patterson, along with Senators Richardville, Brown, Cropsey and Sanborn, submitted SCR004 on 03/03/09. The goal of the resolution is to “affirm Michigan’s sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not enumerated and granted to the federal government.”
West Virginia Sovereignty Resolution
Eleven delegates of the West Virginia legislature introduced House Concurrent Resolution 49 on 03-27-09 “Claiming sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over certain powers; serving notice to the federal government to cease and desist certain mandates; providing that certain federal legislation be prohibited or repealed; and directing distribution.” Read [...]
Reserved Powers
To ensure that powers not expressly delegated to the federal government could still be exercised by the states, the Tenth Amendment was enacted.
States rebel against Washington
The status of “state sovereignty” resolutions are largely up in the air, with a few passed, some moving through committee, and some voted down.
