I appreciate Ian Underwood addressing a quote in my 11/23 article, “Make America States Again.”
“I’m just responding to this from the article: Our Constitutional Republic structure, called Federalism, was wisely summed up by James Madison: The powers of the federal government are few and defined, while the states have unlimited powers.
‘I find it hard to believe that Madison, or any other founders, would have agreed with that summary. I think they would say something more like both the federal and state governments have only delegated powers, which is pretty much the opposite of having unlimited powers.”
Thanks to Russ for the Op-Ed. Send yours to steve@granitegrok.com
I’m sure Ian is familiar with the 85 Letters to the Editor published in the New York City newspapers in 1787, written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay (signed Publius) to convince New York State Farmers to ratify the Constitution. For the benefit of those unfamiliar with this history, here I would like to add some.
George Clinton, then New York governor, was a formidable opponent of the proposed charter. Alexander Hamilton began a series of in-depth essays defending the Constitution. Two other advocates of the national government charter, Madison and Jay, joined in the task. The wisdom of these three men became the Federalist Papers. Their writings are considered arguably the most accurate explanation of the original intent of the Framer’s political philosophy poured into the new charter of government that we call the Constitution of the United States.
Rather than quoting Madison, I used a summation of Federalist Papers # 45. Here are Madison’s exact words:
“The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite.”
Granted, an off-the-cuff word replacement of “indefinite” with “unlimited” is incorrect, but the overall concept is accurate.
For those who wish to know why we are a Republic and not a Democracy, I urge you to get a copy of Founder of The John Birch Society, Mr. Robert Welch’s 9/17/61 Constitution Day speech called “Republics And Democracies” at JBS.ORG.
A lady asked Ben Franklin outside Independence Hall, “What kind of government have you given us?” Ben’s answer, “A Republic, if you can keep it.” Let’s take his advice and defend this great document from all foreign and domestic enemies. For the wisdom from Article IV of the U.S. Constitution follows Ben’s advice guaranteeing every State a republican form of government.
