First Principles Archives - Granite Grok

First Principles

Thinking about “first principles.” 

Is Today’s America What the Founders Had in Mind?

Today seems the right time to be thinking about “first principles.” A first principle is a basic assumption that cannot be deduced any further. First principle thinking is a fancy way of saying “think like a scientist.” Thomas Ricks has a book of the same name that addresses whether today’s America is what the Founders …

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Tyranny Comes From Accumulation of Power

“The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands… may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.” – James Madison, Federalist 47  Tyranny comes from accumulation of power in one branch of government. Growth Madison today would be horrified that the administrative state has added both legislative and judicial powers to …

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