Tenth Amendment Center | thomas jefferson

A Jeffersonian American Patriot is a State Patriot

By Kevin Gutzman Founding Principles Thomas Jefferson

One day in January 1811, Thomas Jefferson wrote to a French man of letters whose book he so much admired that he translated it into English and saw to its American republication. Along the way, he explained to the Frenchman why there had been such a difference between the outcomes of their countries’ revolutions. “The true barriers [defenses] of our liberty in this country,” Jefferson instructed, “are our State governments; and the wisest conservative power ever contrived by man, is that of which our Revolution and present government [the Federal Government] found us possessed.”

July 2, 2018

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Today in History: Thomas Jefferson is Born on Apr. 13, 1743

By Dave Benner History Thomas Jefferson

Jefferson’s vision for the United States held that “energetic” government was to be rejected in favor of republicanism and federalism.

April 13, 2018

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Why Does Federal Power Constantly Expand?

By Mike Maharrey Federal Power

Bertrand de Jouvenel offers some insight into the reason governmental power generally tends to expand in a democratic political system

January 12, 2018

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The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions: Offering a Pathway to a More Free Society

By Andrew Tylock James Madison Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions Thomas Jefferson

Although written several years after the Constitution and the Bill of Rights were ratified, these resolutions lay out the philosophical basis of the 10th Amendment and reveal exactly how the federal government derived its authority.

December 30, 2017

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This Week in History: Virginia Passes James Madison’s Resolutions of 1798

By Mike Maharrey James Madison Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions

This article is featured in is today’s Tenther newsletter, which everyone in the nullification movement gets daily or weekly. Be one of them – and Become a member here to support the TAC.

On Christmas Eve, 1798, the Virginia Senate gave final approval to a proposal from James Madison, which we know today as the Virginia Resolutions of 1798.

December 22, 2017

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Top-5 Myths about the Constitution

By Michael Boldin Constitution

From the necessary and proper, general Welfare and commerce clauses, to the preamble, federal “supremacy” and more – there are a lot to choose from.

November 20, 2017

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Today in History: Kentucky Resolutions Signed on Nov. 16, 1798

By Mike Maharrey Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions Thomas Jefferson

The “Principles of ’98” formalized the principles of nullification as the rightful remedy when the federal government oversteps its authority.

November 16, 2017

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Nullification: Defending Liberty from Federal Tyranny

By Ray Lass Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions Nullification

The words of Madison and Jefferson should serve as a wake-up call to anyone who believes in self-determination and individual liberty.

July 14, 2017

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Thomas Jefferson: Can the Dead Bind the Living?

By Mike Maharrey Founders' Letters Historical Documents Thomas Jefferson

This question is particularly poignant as the U.S. government continues to run up the national debt. It currently stands at nearly $20 trillion and growing. In all likelihood, our great, great, great grandchildren will still be burdened by this debt.

May 24, 2017

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