Understanding the Constitution: The Power to Restrict Immigration
The Constitution doesn’t use the word “immigration.” Those consulting the constitutional debates of 1787–1790 (such as the essays in “The Federalist”) will find no discussion of the subject. Consequently, some modern writers argue that, constitutionally, America...
Today in History: Judiciary Act of 1789 Signed into Law
On this date in 1789, George Washington signed the Judiciary Act into law. This was arguably the first federal exercise of unconstitutional power. Article III of the Constitution delegated judicial power to the Supreme Court and empowered Congress to “ordain and...
Patrick Henry Warns of “Dangerous and Destructive” Treaty Powers
Anti-Federalists generally worried that the Constitution would give the general government too much power. One area that caused concern was the power to make treaties. Patrick Henry addressed this issue in speeches during the Virginia ratifying convention. Under the...