Freedom from Government

Assertion: There is an axiom in politics that a government is more effective the closer it is to those being governed. We therefore assert that States rights are foremost; that they are paramount to maintaining liberty and justice for the individual Citizen; and that State rights supersede all rights not specifically enumerated in the Constitution of the United States of America.

Why This Is Important: In 2009, the U.S. Government increased the Federal Minimum Wage to $7.25 per hour. Why is the Federal Government setting a “minimum wage” to begin with? Why was the President able to fire the CEO of General Motors? How do our members of Congress get away with voting themselves pay increases? Why is their healthcare plan different from yours? Why are their retirement packages so outrageously generous?

Constitutional Basis: Article I, Section 8 outlines the powers of Congress, noting that it is expected to “provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.” Among the powers enumerated are those pertaining to the establishment and collection of Duties, Excises, Tariffs and Taxes; the regulation of Commerce between States and other Nations; Naturalization; the coining of Money; the establishment of Post Offices and Roads; and the responsibility for declaring War and for providing the funds to wage War. These are the only powers granted to Congress. The Bill of Rights, Amendments IX and X, also clearly support the rights of individual States. Amendment IX points out that the powers enumerated in the Constitution should not be interpreted as granting the Federal government abilities “to deny or disparage (rights) retained by the people.” Amendment X clarifies this, fundamentally, by asserting that any powers not delegated to the United States are reserved to the States, or to the people.

Quote: “Congress has not unlimited powers to provide for the general welfare, but only those specifically enumerated.” – Thomas Jefferson