Here are thirteen lessons providing easy explanations about the basis for Making America STATES Again.
Click here to listen to the audio versions of these lessons.
- Lesson 1: State Sovereignty, Federalism, and the Right to Refuse Unconstitutional Federal Acts
- Lesson 2: Understanding State Sovereignty, Federalism, and States’ Rights
- Lesson 3: The Treaty of Paris and State Sovereignty in Early America
- Lesson 4: Understanding State Sovereignty and Federalism Through the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions
- Lesson 5: The Constitution as a Compact Between Sovereign States
- Lesson 6: Applying Contract Law to Understand the Compact Theory of the Constitution
- Lesson 7: Nullification in Practice
- Lesson 8: Nullification — A Solo or a Chorus?
- Lesson 9: Overcoming “Potomac Fever” and Restoring Constitutional Governance
- Lesson 10: Party Above Principle — The Rise of Partisan Politics and the Erosion of State Sovereignty
- Lesson 11: What Would Jefferson Do? — Defending Nullification and State Sovereignty
- Lesson 12: Madison’s Confidence in State Resistance and the Reality of Modern Federalism
- Lesson 13: The Storm of Statism and the Remedy of State Sovereignty
Lesson 10: Party Above Principle — The Rise of Partisan Politics and the Erosion of State Sovereignty
The Founders designed the U.S. Senate to preserve the state sovereignty and keep the federal government in check. However, the ratification of the 17th Amendment severed the direct connection between state legislatures and their representatives in Congress. This lesson explores the dangers of placing party loyalty above constitutional principles and the impact it has had on state sovereignty and the functioning of the Republic.
Lesson 11: What Would Jefferson Do? — Defending Nullification and State Sovereignty
The concept of nullification often faces harsh criticism, with proponents being labeled as radicals or secessionists. However, nullification is rooted in the very principles that the Founders, including Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, championed to protect the union from federal overreach. This lesson explores the historical and logical basis for nullification, refuting the misconceptions that surround it.
Lesson 12: Madison’s Confidence in State Resistance and the Reality of Modern Federalism
In The Federalist, No. 46, James Madison expressed great confidence in the states’ ability and willingness to resist federal overreach. He believed that any ambitious encroachments by the federal government would be met with strong opposition from the states, and that these states would band together to protect their sovereignty. This lesson examines Madison’s expectations, and contrasts them with the reality of modern state-federal relations.