New_Jersey_welcomeIntroduced by Assemblyman Gary Chiusano, Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose and four co-sponsors, New Jersey’s Assembly Concurrent Resolution 23 (ACR23) seeks to claim “sovereignty under Tenth Amendment to United States Constitution over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted by Constitution to federal government.”

If passed, the resolution would also make the position of the legislature as follows:

The Tenth Amendment defines the total scope of federal power as being that specifically granted by the Constitution of the United States and no more

The State of New Jersey hereby claims sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government. This resolution serves as notice and demand to the federal government, as our agent, to cease and desist, effective immediately, mandates that are beyond the scope of these constitutionally delegated powers.

While non-binding, introduction of such resolutions in dozens of states around the country have brought the principles of the 10th Amendment to the public discussion. Passage, which can often be easier for a non-binding statement, has also made fertile ground for follow-up legislation, “with teeth.”

CLICK HERE to view the Tenth Amendment Center’s 10th amendment resolution tracking page

CLICK HERE to view the Tenth Amendment Center’s model 10th Amendment Resolution, which you can send to your representatives when urging them to introduce one in your state.

Michael Boldin