Posts Tagged ‘james madison’
Clarence Thomas
American Minute with Bill Federer The U.S. Senate confirmed Clarence Thomas as a Justice on the Supreme Court on OCTOBER 15, 1991. When questioned by Senator Thurmond on judicial activism during the hearings, Clarence Thomas stated: The role of a judge is a limited one. It is to...interpret the Constitution, where called upon, but at no [...]
Dennis Behreandt: In Praise of Gridlock
By Dennis Behreandt According to conventional wisdom, the U.S. government’s legislative process is broken. What’s more, this opinion is held on both sides of the aisle and by the media. If there is anything anyone in America can agree on about politics it’s that the U.S. government is hopelessly botched. Helpfully making the media’s [...]
The Federalist Papers No. 63: James Madison
Liberty Letters, James Madison, Federalist No. 63 Saturday, March 1, 1788 A fifth desideratum, illustrating the utility of a senate, is the want of a due sense of national character. Without a select and stable member of the government, the esteem of foreign powers will not only be forfeited by an unenlightened and variable policy, [...]
James Madison & the Attack on Washington DC
American Minute with Bill Federer The British invaded Washington, D.C. The Capitol was burned. President James and Dolly Madison fled the White House. On SEPTEMBER 1, 1814, President Madison wrote: The enemy by a sudden incursion has succeeded in invading the capitol of the nation... During their possession...though for a single day only, [...]
The Federalist Papers No. 62: James Madison
Liberty Letters, James Madison, Federalist No. 62 Wednesday, February 27, 1788 HAVING examined the constitution of the House of Representatives, and answered such of the objections against it as seemed to merit notice, I enter next on the examination of the Senate. The heads into which this member of the government may be considered are: I. [...]
The Federalist Papers No. 56: James Madison
Liberty Letters, James Madison, Federalist No. 56 Saturday, February 16, 1788 THE second charge against the House of Representatives is, that it will be too small to possess a due knowledge of the interests of its constituents. As this objection evidently proceeds from a comparison of the proposed number of representatives with the great [...]
The Federalist Papers No. 55: James Madison
Liberty Letters, James Madison, Federalist No. 55 Wednesday, February 13, 1788 THE number of which the House of Representatives is to consist, forms another and a very interesting point of view, under which this branch of the federal legislature may be contemplated. Scarce any article, indeed, in the whole Constitution seems to be rendered [...]
The Federalist Papers No. 54: James Madison
Liberty Letters, James Madison, Federalist No. 54 Tuesday, February 12, 1788 THE next view which I shall take of the House of Representatives relates to the appointment of its members to the several States which is to be determined by the same rule with that of direct taxes. It is not contended that the number of people in each State [...]
The Federalist Papers No. 51: James Madison
Liberty Letters, James Madison, Federalist No. 51 Wednesday, February 6, 1788 TO WHAT expedient, then, shall we finally resort, for maintaining in practice the necessary partition of power among the several departments, as laid down in the Constitution? The only answer that can be given is, that as all these exterior provisions are found to [...]
The Federalist Papers No. 50: James Madison
Liberty Letters, James Madison, Federalist No. 50 Tuesday, February 5, 1788 IT MAY be contended, perhaps, that instead of occasional appeals to the people, which are liable to the objections urged against them, periodical appeals are the proper and adequate means of preventing and correcting infractions of the Constitution. It will be [...]
The Federalist Papers No. 48: James Madison
Liberty Letters, James Madison, Federalist No. 48 Friday, February 1, 1788 IT WAS shown in the last paper that the political apothegm there examined does not require that the legislative, executive, and judiciary departments should be wholly unconnected with each other. I shall undertake, in the next place, to show that unless these [...]
The Federalist Papers, No. 44: James Madison
Liberty Letters, James Madison, Federalist No. 44 Friday, January 25, 1788 A fifth class of provisions in favor of the federal authority consists of the following restrictions on the authority of the several States: 1. "No State shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or confederation; grant letters of marque and reprisal; coin money; emit [...]
The Federalist Papers, No. 41: James Madison
Liberty Letters, James Madison, Federalist No. 41 Saturday, January 19, 1788 THE Constitution proposed by the convention may be considered under two general points of view. The FIRST relates to the sum or quantity of power which it vests in the government, including the restraints imposed on the States. The SECOND, to the particular [...]
The Federalist Papers, No. 39: James Madison
Liberty Letters, James Madison, Federalist No. 39 Wednesday, January 16, 1788 THE last paper having concluded the observations which were meant to introduce a candid survey of the plan of government reported by the convention, we now proceed to the execution of that part of our undertaking. The first question that offers itself is, [...]
The Federalist Papers, No. 37: James Madison
Liberty Letters, James Madison, Federalist No. 37 Friday, January 11, 1788 IN REVIEWING the defects of the existing Confederation, and showing that they cannot be supplied by a government of less energy than that before the public, several of the most important principles of the latter fell of course under consideration. But as the ultimate [...]
THe Constitutional Covention and The Lord Building Up A Nation
American Minute with Bill Federer The Constitutional Convention was in a deadlock over how large and small states could be represented equally. Some delegates gave up and left. Then, on JUNE 28, 1787, 81-year-old Benjamin Franklin spoke and shortly after, the U.S. Constitution became a reality. As recorded by James Madison, Franklin [...]
The Federalist Papers, No. 20: James Madison
Liberty Letters, James Madison, with Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 20 Tuesday, December 11, 1787 THE United Netherlands are a confederacy of republics, or rather of aristocracies of a very remarkable texture, yet confirming all the lessons derived from those which we have already reviewed. The union is composed of seven coequal and [...]
James Madison & The War of 1812
American Minute with Bill Federer The War of 1812 began on JUNE 18, 1812. The British captured American ships and enslaved sailors. They incited Indians to capture Fort Mims, massacring 500 men, women and children. They captured the Capitol, burnt the White House, bombarded Fort McHenry and attacked New Orleans. Outraged, many volunteered [...]
The Federalist Papers, No. 19: James Madison
Liberty Letters, James Madison, with Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 19 Saturday, December 8, 1787 THE examples of ancient confederacies, cited in my last paper, have not exhausted the source of experimental instruction on this subject. There are existing institutions, founded on a similar principle, which merit particular consideration. [...]
The Federalist Papers, No. 18: James Madison
Liberty Letters, James Madison, with Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 18 Friday, December 7, 1787 AMONG the confederacies of antiquity, the most considerable was that of the Grecian republics, associated under the Amphictyonic council. From the best accounts transmitted of this celebrated institution, it bore a very instructive analogy to [...]
The Federalist Papers, No. 14: James Madison
Liberty Letters, James Madison, Federalist No. 10 Friday, November 30, 1787 WE HAVE seen the necessity of the Union, as our bulwark against foreign danger, as the conservator of peace among ourselves, as the guardian of our commerce and other common interests, as the only substitute for those military establishments which have subverted the [...]
The Constitution is Not What it Used to Be
By Henry Lamb When James Madison wrote “…nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation” into the Constitution, he really meant “for public use.” Over the years, the courts redefined “public use” to mean “whatever government wants to do with your land.” The Kelo v. New London decision drove the [...]
James Madison: Prudent Jealousy, the First Duty of Citizens
Liberty Letters Quote of the Day, James Madison It is proper to take alarm at the first experiment on our liberties. We hold this prudent jealousy to be the first duty of citizens, and one of the noblest characteristics of the late Revolution. The freemen of America did not wait till usurped power had strengthened itself by exercise, and [...]
Madison’s Notes: Federal Convention of 1787: Sept. 5
Liberty Letters, 05 September 1787, James Madison Editor's Overview: Passed without debate: "To promote the progress of Science and useful arts by securing for limited times to authors and inventors, the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries." And yet, today, in the name of so-called Free Trade we let nations like China [...]
Madison’s Notes: Federal Convention of 1787: Sept. 3
Liberty Letters, 3 September 1787, James Madison Editor's Overview: After a few small refinements to previously passed measures, the most significant discussion of the day was over the issue of eligibility to serve in civil service positions (and elsewhere in government) while serving in Congress. Pinkney was strenuously opposed to an [...]
The Chief Architect of the Constitution
American Minute with Bill Federer Called the "Chief Architect of the Constitution," he wrote many of the Federalist Papers which helped convince States to ratify the Constitution. He introduced the First Amendment in the first session of Congress. This was James Madison, born MARCH 16, 1751. During the War of 1812, Madison proclaimed two [...]
Madison’s Notes: Federal Convention of 1787: September 1
Liberty Letters, 01 September 1787, James Madison Editor's Overview: Report from the Commission of Eleven offers some refinements to wording of previously accepted motions including the ineligibility of members of either house to serve in civil office during their time in office or visa versa, the establishment of uniform laws on the subject of [...]
Madison’s Notes: Federal Convention of 1787: Aug. 31
Liberty Letters, 31 August 1787, James Madison Editor's Overview: KING moved to add to the end of Article XXI the words "between the said States" so as to confine the operation of the Government to the States ratifying it. Interestingly, only one dissenting vote. Mr. MADISON, however proposed to fill the blank in the article with "any seven [...]
Madison’s Notes: The Federal Convention of 1787: August 30
Liberty Letters, 30 August 1787, James Madison Editor's Overview: Debate over the policy of admitting new states to the Union renewed. Still unresolved. Art: XX. taken up: "or affirmation" was added after "oath." Mr. Pinkney moved to add to the article: "but no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public [...]
Madison’s Notes: Federal Convention of 1787: August 29
Liberty Letters, 29 August 1787, James Madison Editor's Overview: Pinkney moved to commit article XVI, with the following proposition, "To establish uniform laws upon the subject of bankruptcies, and respecting the damages arising on the protest of foreign bills of exchange" Randolph moved the following proposition: "Whenever the act of any [...]
Madison’s Notes: The Federal Convention of 1787: August 28
Liberty Letters, 28 August 1787, James Madison Editor's Notes: Mr. Sherman made the following report regarding items referred to committee: 1. That there be inserted after the 4th clause of 7th. section "Nor shall any regulation of commerce or revenue give preference to the ports of one State over those of another, or oblige vessels bound to or [...]
Madison’s Notes: Federal Convention of 1787, August 25
Liberty Letters, 25 August 1787, James Madison The 1st. clause of 1 Sect. of art: VII 2 being reconsidered Col. MASON objected to the term "shall" — fullfil the engagements & discharge the debts &c as too strong. It may be impossible to comply with it. The Creditors should be kept in the same plight. They will in one respect be [...]
Madison’s Notes: Federal Convention of 1787: August 24
Liberty Letters, 24 August 1787, James Madison Governour LIVINGSTON, from the Committee of Eleven, to whom were referred the two remaining clauses of the 4th. Sect & the 5 & 6 Sect: of the 7th. art: 2 delivered in the following Report: "Strike out so much of the 4th Sect: as was referred to the Committee and insert — "The migration or [...]
James Madison’s Notes: Federal Convention of 1787: August 22
Liberty Letters, 22 August 1787, James Madison Art VII sect 4. 1, 2 resumed. Mr. SHERMAN was for leaving the clause as it stands. He disapproved of the slave trade; yet as the States were now possessed of the right to import slaves, as the public good did not require it to be taken from them, & as it was expedient to have as few objections as [...]
James Madison and the Defense of Religious Freedom
American Minute with Bill Federer James Madison's defense of religious freedom began when he stood with his father outside a jail in the village of Orange and heard Baptists preach from their cell windows. He wrote of another incident to William Bradford, JANUARY 24, 1774: "There are at this time in the adjacent Culpepper County not less [...]
Madison’s Notes: The Federal Convention of 1787: 20 August
Liberty Letters, 20 August 1787, James Madison ___________________ Editor's Summary: Pinckney and Morris introduced quite a number of new motions, all of which were sent to committee without discussion, some of them seeming quite contradictory, ranging from items that would belong in a Bill of Rights, to items that had all the appearances of [...]
Madison’s Notes: The Federal Convention of 1787, August 18
Liberty Letters, 18 August 1787, James Madison ____________________ Editor's Summary: Madison submits a list of powers to be added to Congress, to include, surprisingly, the creation of a National University, the power to create encouragements beyond securing patents to advance "useful knowledge and discoveries" by "offering premiums and [...]
Madison’s Notes: Federal Convention of 1787: August 17
Liberty Letters, 17 August 1787, James Madison ___________________ Editor's Summary: Ghorum moves to involve the House in the appointment of the Treasurer. Pinkney and Sherman opposed it as favoring the larger states. Mason desired it might be considered to whom the money would belong; if to the people, the legislature representing the people [...]
Madison’s Notes: Federal Convention of 1787, August 15
Liberty Letters, 15 August 1787, James Madison _____________________ Editor's Summary: Madison moved that all bills ought to be submitted not just to the President, but to the Supreme Court for approval, something that was done in England to insure that laws were both soundly written and Constitutional (this was not the first time this was [...]
Madison’s Notes: The Federal Convention of 1787: August 14
Liberty Letters, 14 August 1787, James Madison ____________________ Editor's Summary: The debate for 14 August 1787 focused on two issues. 1. Should members of the House be eligible under the Constitution to accept civil service offices during or shortly thereafter serving in the House? And why or why isn't this a danger? 2. Who should pay [...]
Madison’s Notes: Federal Convention of 1787: August 12
Liberty Letters, 12 August 1787, James Madison _____________________ Editor's Summary: Minimum citizenship requirements for members of the House of Representatives considered. Wilson and Randolph advocated lowering the requirement from 7 years a citizen to 4. Mr. GERRY objected, wishing that in the future "the eligibility might be confined to [...]
American Minute: John Knox and Glorifying God
American Minute with Bill Federer Sentenced as a galley slave on a French ship, he looked up as they sailed passed St. Andrews, Scotland, and said: "I see the steeple of that place where God first in public opened my mouth to glory; and I am fully persuaded...I shall not depart this life till my tongue shall glorify his godly name in the [...]
Madison’s Notes: Federal Convention of 1787: August 11
Liberty Letters, 11 August 1787, James Madison Editor's summary: Brief debate regarding motion by Madison and Rutlidge "that each House shall keep a journal of its proceeding; except such part of the proceedings of the Senate, when acting not in its Legislative capacity as may be judged by that House to require secrecy." This secrecy item was [...]
Madison’s Notes: Federal Convention of 1787: August 10
Liberty Letters, 10 August 1787, James Madison Art. VI. Sect. 2. 1, 2 taken up. Mr. PINKNEY. The Committee as he had conceived were instructed to report the proper qualifications of property for the members of the Natl. Legislature; instead of which they have referred the task to the Natl. Legislature itself. Should it be left on this footing, [...]
John Adams Became The First US President in the White House
American Minute with Bill Federer On NOVEMBER 1, 1800, John Adams became the first U.S. President to move into the White House. The following day he wrote a letter to his wife, Abigail, in which he composed a beautiful prayer. A portion of John Adams' prayer was inscribed on the mantlepiece in the State Dining Room by President Franklin D. [...]
The Role of a Justice of The Supreme Court
American Minute with Bill Federer The U.S. Senate confirmed Clarence Thomas as a Justice on the Supreme Court on OCTOBER 15, 1991. When questioned by Senator Thurmond on judicial activism during the hearings, Clarence Thomas stated: "The role of a judge is a limited one. It is to...interpret the Constitution, where called upon, but at no [...]
Madison’s Notes: Federal Convention of 1787: August 8
Liberty Letters, 8 August 1787, James Madison Editor's Summary: John F. Mercer of Virginia opposed the entire plan (he disliked the idea of a strong federal government) and then went on to express his opinion that candidates for Congress ought to be nominated by the state legislatures, and then voted on by the people. This because he mistrusted [...]
Madison’s Notes: The Federal Convention of 1787: 6 August
Liberty Letters, 6 August 1787, James Madison Editor's Summary: Mr. Rutlidge delivered from the Committee of detail a printed copy of those resolutions passed thus far, or in other words, the new Constitution as it stood to date. Most noticeable are these: 1. The still undeveloped preamble began: "We the people of the states of New Hampshire, [...]
Madison’s Notes, Federal Convention of 1787, 26 July
Liberty Letters, 26 July 1787, James Madison Editor's Summary: Mason opens the session reviewing the difficulty of selecting the mode of electing the President. He notes: "It has been proposed that the election should be made by the people at large; that is that an act which ought to be performed by those who know most of Eminent characters, [...]
Madison’s Notes, The Federal Convention of 1787, July 23
Liberty Letters, 23 July 1787, James Madison Editor's Comments: Would it surprise a few libertarians, who more than state rights advocates, lean toward anarchy, and like to justify their leanings, for instance, in favor of the right to secession, that the justification for state ratifying conventions involving the people, rather than their [...]
