Constitutionalism

The U.S. Constitution is the Supreme Law of the Land, and as per the 10th Amendment, all authority not granted by it to the Federal Government is left to the States or the People. Understanding the Constitution and the balance of powers is extremely important, because without it we are no longer being ruled by consistent laws, but rather the feelings and opinions of flawed human beings.

 

I approach the U.S. Constitution the same way I approach most legal, historical, or descriptive documents. With context, the literal interpretation is most likely how the document should be interpreted. We should not allow the opinions of politicians and judges redefine what the Constitution means, but rather stick to what it objectively meant at the time of its ratification. When we allow anyone to redefine the Constitution, or violate it, those people become lawless and the nation becomes susceptible to tyranny.

 

If we were to follow the U.S. Constitution as it was intended there would be no progressive income tax, fiat currency, federal IDs, mandatory social security, restriction of arms, undeclared wars, TSA, NSA, IRS, or ATF. Despite the promises of Presidential Candidates, the Federal Government ought to be so small we barely notice it in times of peace. All legislative power are granted to Congress in Article 1 Section 1 Clause 1 of the Constitution, and as previously stated,  their legislation is limited to what is authorized by the Constitution.

 

As a member of Congress, I would work to repeal unconstitutional “laws” and vote against any hint of a bad bill. I agree with Calvin Coolidge, that it is more important to kill bad bills than pass good ones. I would also work to get Congress to reclaim its responsibilities, especially over war powers, so that millions of lives aren’t dependent upon the opinion of a new president every 4 years.