The Federal Government is too Big; George Mason Warned Us
Many antifederalists warned us about the dangers of centralized power. And George Mason was one of the most prominent. They called this centralization of power in the general government “consolidation.” In a speech during the Virginia ratifying convention,...
Resistance is Crucial to the Advancement of Liberty
Patrick Henry told us that “government is no more than a choice among evils.” Thomas Paine held the same view. In Common Sense, he wrote, “Society in every state is a blessing, but Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its...
Separation of Powers: A “Dogmatic Maxim” in the Constitution
James Madison considered the separation of powers so important he not only called it a “dogmatic maxim,” he expressly included it as part of his proposed amendments for the Bill of Rights. Representing the twin-pillars making up the foundation of the Constitution,...