James Madison’s Federalism Flip-Flop
Feature or flaw, states are not required to help enforce federal acts. Opting out of them is a powerful strategy to bring them to an end.
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Today in History: James Madison’s Veto of Infrastructure Spending in the Bonus Bill of 1817
On Mar. 1817, President James Madison vetoed the Bonus Bill of 1817 – a plan that called for the federal construction of various roads, bridges, and canals throughout the country. In a letter to Congress, the president explained his rationale. Out of all historical writings on constitutional interpretation, I believe it stands today as one of the most important.
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Merry Christmas! From James Madison and the TAC
It was Christmas Eve in 1798, and the Virginia House had already passed resolutions drafted by Madison three days earlier. Introduced by Thomas Jefferson’s great friend John Taylor of Caroline, Madison’s important draft also included the handiwork of Wilson Cary Nicholas.
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Jefferson and Madison: Strategies for Today
Today, James Madison’s pragmatic approach can effectively achieve Thomas Jefferson’s goals.
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War isn’t an Executive Decision under the Constitution
Constitutionally, war and peace aren’t the president’s decision.
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James Madison: Nullification is a Natural Right
Mainstream conservative and liberal “experts” intentionally misconstrue Madison’s opposition to what he called “the doctrine of South Carolina.”
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Getting it Wrong: James Madison’s 1830 Letter on Nullification
Some people say an 1830 letter from James Madison proves he opposed nullification in all situations. Nothing could be further from the truth.
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“Few and Defined,” not “Anything and Everything.”
As James Madison wrote in Federalist #45, the powers of the federal government are “few and defined.”
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