Why Did the Framers Create the Electoral College?—1st in a Series
The delegates . . . found the question of how to choose the federal executive one of the most perplexing they faced. People who want to abolish the Electoral College usually are unfamiliar with how perplexing the issue was—and still is.
Activists Can Spend Their Time Better Than Trying to Resurrect the Zombie “Equal Rights Amendment”
[I]t became clear the ERA was a poorly-drafted measure that would do little for women’s rights. It would have transferred massive amounts of power away from local governments and elected representatives, handing it instead to lawyers, judges, and bureaucrats.
The most ‘underrated’ founder’s influence on America’s Constitution
This much is clear: John Dickinson receives much more of our national gratitude than we have given him.
Fifth (and last) in a Series: John Dickinson and the Ratification of the Constitution
Any states that allowed the federal government to interfere in their sovereign jurisdiction would be guilty of a breach of trust, for the “trustees or servants of the several states” were obliged to protect the authority citizens had placed in them.
Fourth in a Series: John Dickinson’s Contributions to the Constitution
The list of constitutional provisions impacted by Dickinson is a very long one.
Third in a Series: John Dickinson During the Continental and Confederation Periods
Dickinson was one of the few to free his own slaves during his lifetime.
First In a Series: John Dickinson Comes Into Prominence
This year marks the 250th anniversary of one of the most influential series of writings in American history.
State protection for citizen rights should temper ‘local control’
So when is local control good in reality rather than merely as a slogan?
Part I: Judicial activism: Here’s a core reason for it you’ve never heard about
The Founders erected the American legal system to operate in the context of Anglo-American judicial values. The rules placed expressly or implicitly in the Constitution . . . were designed to operate in that context. However, the context changed.
Drafting a Balanced Budget Amendment: It’s tougher than you might think
Of course, it is one thing to criticize, but another to try to craft something better.
With due respect to the Supreme Court, some campaign finance laws are unconstitutional
But Citizens United included a second decision, one rarely mentioned. In this part of the case, the court upheld federal laws requiring contributors to political ads to publicly reveal their names. Unlike the first ruling, the second was a constitutional mistake. Although the court has since reaffirmed its position, it should promptly reconsider.
The last convention of states ever held? It Centered on the Upper Colorado River
“This latest convention of states operated according to standard convention of states protocols.”
