by Michael Boldin | Oct 8, 2026 | Constitution, Founding Principles, James Madison
Going to the federal government to convince the federal government to limit its own power? That’s not just bad strategy and a lost cause. It’s dangerous to the Constitution and liberty. James Madison gave us the answer – a blueprint for beating the feds without...
by Michael Boldin | Aug 30, 2025 | Alexander Hamilton, General Welfare Clause, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson
“…do we live under a limited or an unlimited government?” To you, that question probably sounds naive because the answer feels obvious. But in 1792, Thomas Jefferson saw it as the moment of truth. Alexander Hamilton had just laid out his vision for the “general...
by TJ Martinell | Jun 8, 2025 | Bill of Rights, Constitution, History, James Madison
On June 8 1789, the “Father of the Constitution” James Madison rose on the floor of Congress to propose a series of significant amendments, setting the stage for what would become the Bill of Rights. FROM SKEPTIC TO ADVOCATE The occasion marked somewhat of a strong...
by Michael Boldin | Apr 10, 2025 | Constitution, General Welfare Clause, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson
“It would be ABSURD to say … Congress may do what they please.” That was James Madison, obliterating the modern lie that the general Welfare Clause is a blank check for almost unlimited power. But that’s exactly how it’s treated and used today. The general Welfare...
by Michael Boldin | Feb 12, 2025 | Alexander Hamilton, Constitution, Founding Principles, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson
“There is not a syllable in the constitution, that makes a decision of the judiciary – of its own force, and without regard to its correctness – binding upon any body, either upon the executive, or the people.” That’s from Lysander Spooner, reminding us of...
by Michael Boldin | Dec 21, 2024 | Constitution, Founding Principles, James Madison, Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions
The states are “duty bound to interpose.” That’s how James Madison put it in his Virginia Resolutions, passed on Dec 21 and 24, 1798, in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts. His resolutions answer a timeless question: What should be done when the federal...
