On this day in 1787, the Second Constitutional Convention embarked on a four month-long process that resulted in the masterful document responsible for shaping our country. Though battered and bruised today, the Constitution of the United States remains the framework for our nation’s government. On May 25, 1787, however, the Founders had no assurances of such success. The current form of government – the Articles of Confederation – was fundamentally flawed, and it seemed possible that the young nation would fail before it really began. The state legislatures were unable …
On a variety of fronts—Medicaid mandates, individual health insurance mandates, national education standards—state governments are vigorously pushing back against an overweening federal establishment. This resistance to federal power includes a number of folks who are promoting a constitutional remedy that has never yet been employed in our nation’s history—a convention for considering constitutional amendments. As provided for in Article V of the U.S. Constitution, states have the power to call on Congress for a constitutional convention when two-thirds of them agree to do so. We asked Matthew Spalding, Director of the B. …
In Arizona, Louisiana and a few other states, well-meaning citizens would like to recall their U.S senators. Fair enough. But while this opinion represents a commendable movement to make Congress more accountable for its actions, it tramples on the U.S. Constitution and undermines the rule of law. Contrary to popular Web sites, the recall of members of the U.S. Congress has never been permissible according to the Constitution, and no member of the Congress has ever been removed by such means. That’s because the U.S. Constitution sets the qualifications and …
Today, Sept. 17, is Constitution Day. On this date in 1787, delegates from each state signed the final Constitution, securing our rights and assuring the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity. It is now the longest lasting, most imitated national constitution in the world. The Constitution unified the country by providing a stable national government over the 13 separate states. The Constitution continues to unify us as Americans — and as conservatives. As Americans, the continued success and viability of our country depends on our fidelity to, and …
