Category Archives: History

History related posts

If Congress Can, Unilaterally, Modify The Constitution

December 29th, 2012
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Following The Philadelphia (Constitutional) Convention of 1787, where The United States Constitution was debated, written, and sent to the thirteen respective states for ratification, many notable, and well-respected Patriots, and statesmen, such as Patrick Henry and George Mason, also referred to as The Anti-Federalists, publicly spoke out against the ratification of The Constitution. Among the several reasons: they believed it was a threat to Individual Liberties; they were opposed to the new Federal Court system; and feared that The President would eventually morph into a King. In a paper, which eventually became part of the Anti-Federalist Papers, and under the pseudonym “Brutus,” it was written:

“Ought not a [Federal] government, vested with such extensive and indefinite authority, to have been restricted by a declaration of rights? It certainly ought. So clear a point is this, that I cannot help suspecting that persons who attempt to persuade people that such reservations were less necessary under this Constitution than under those of the States, are willfully endeavoring to deceive, and to lead you into an absolute state of vassalage.”

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It’s Not About Republicans Versus Democrats

August 13th, 2011
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In 1787, when our Constitution was debated and written by the delegates of the thirteen original states, and subsequently ratified by the state legislatures, it was agreed that The United States would be a Federation of sovereign states, with a [Republic] Republican form of Government.

At the time when The Constitution was being debated, there were two primary groups: One was The Federalists, who, at the time, were more like Nationalists, who believed in a powerful top down sort of Central Government, and The Anti-Federalists, who, had several reservations to the new Constitution, and strongly believed in the sovereignty of the states. In fact, it was the anti-Federalists who we can thank for our treasured Bill of Rights; as the anti-Federalists would not sign onto the new Constitution unless a Bill of Rights was guaranteed.

Sadly, after only a few short years of The U.S. Constitution being ratified, factions were already forming, as The Federalists, despite entering into a (Constitutional) contract with the rest of the states, began putting forth legislation that was an obvious abridgment to the sovereignty of the states, and well exceeded the Limited Powers given to The Federal Government.

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Bread And Circuses And The Roman Empire

June 23rd, 2011
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“Bread and Circuses” (or bread and games) (from Latin: panem et circenses) is a metaphor for a superficial means of appeasement. In the case of politics, the phrase is used to describe the creation of public approval, not through exemplary or excellent public service or public policy, but through the mere satisfaction of the immediate, shallow requirements of a populace. The phrase also implies the erosion or ignorance of civic duty amongst the concerns of the common man (l’homme moyen sensuel).

In modern usage, the phrase is taken to describe a populace that no longer values civic virtues and the public life. To many across the political spectrum, left and right, it connotes the triviality and frivolity that characterized the Roman Empire prior to its decline.

This phrase originates from Rome in Satire X of the Roman poet Juvenal (circa 100 AD ). In context, the Latin phrase panem et circenses (bread and circuses) identifies the only remaining cares of a Roman populace which has given up its birthright of political involvement. Here Juvenal displays his contempt for the declining heroism of his contemporary Romans. Roman politicians devised a plan in 140 B.C. to win the votes of the poor: giving out cheap food and entertainment, “bread and circuses”, would be the most effective way to rise to power.”

“Already long ago, from when we sold our vote to no man, the People have abdicated our duties; for the People who once upon a time handed out military command, high civil office, legions — everything, now restrains itself and anxiously hopes for just two things: bread and circuses.” – Juvenal (Satire 10.77–81)

- Wikipedia.org

Is The United States Currency Counterfeit?

October 10th, 2010
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During The Revolutionary War, The Continental Congress issued approximately $240 million in paper money, called Continentals. The understanding was that, after the war, this money could be redeemed in gold or silver. The states, thinking this was a great way to create money, also began printing money. On top of that, The British created counterfeit Continentals, and used them to buy supplies from The Americans.

With the weak Articles of Confederation, and the printing of these bills, The United States nearly lost the war for independence. And, not too long after, confidence in these Continentals had gotten so low, that by 1780, each bill was barely worth one cent.

Even though God’s grace was with our country, and the war for independence was won – due to this practice of printing money, the newly formed United States suffered a period of real financial depression. It was so bad that foreign nations were hovering over us, like vultures, waiting for the new United States to collapse.

Fortunately, God’s grace was still upon our new country, and James Madison, along with George Washington, formed what we now know as The Philadelphia Convention, where our Constitution was written, and a true miracle took place. That document, and the subsequent ratification, by the states, transformed The new United States from a country near collapse, to a prosperous, and free Republic.

The framers of our Constitution, now knowing the evils of printing paper (fiat) money, which is not based, firmly, on a tangible asset, decided against the usage of any fiat money for the currency of The United States, and elected only to use gold and silver coinage for our currency.

This wisdom was enshrined in Article 1, Section 8, Clause 5, of The United States Constitution – which grants these powers, explicitly, to The United States Congress:

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Is The United States A Christian Nation?

July 19th, 2010

For many years there has been a debate in The United States as to whether or not we are a Christian nation. While there are many different opinions, there may not be a definitive answer to that question…

For example, The 1st Amendment of The United States Constitution contains these words:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; …”

Therefore, it is pretty clear, The Federal Government can not establish any religion for The United States. However, traditionally, in The United States, this amendment also meant not prohibiting the states from making their own laws and decisions as it related to matters of faith.

These words are from Article 6 (clause 3) of The United States Constitution:

“The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.”

Which basically allows for all United States citizens to serve in public office regardless of their religious beliefs etc.

Thomas Jefferson, in his studies, discovered what he referred to as The Ancient Principles: The Ancient Israelites, under Moses, created the earliest recorded form of representative government, which our founders also referred to as People’s Law. These same principles were later used by The Anglo-Saxons, in the early years of England’s history. These principles helped lay the foundation for The United States Constitution, and were highly influential to Jefferson, as he wrote The Declaration of Independence.

Therefore, it is irrefutable: The United States’ Republican form of government is based on principles derived from The Old Testament of The Bible. Thus, the foundation of The United States of America, most certainly, was built on Judeo-Christian principles. And, our founders, by in large, were very much of The Judeo-Christian faith – which is confirmed, over and over, by their written words and speeches.

Below is David Barton, historian and founder of Wallbuilders, giving a lecture (America a Christian nation?) from Intouch Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia. His lecture is extremely informative for those who are interested in the founders of The United States; and more specifically, how our great country has been shaped by Judeo-Christian principles.

Enjoy!

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The Death Of Honor

June 29th, 2010
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In a time when people are simply attempting to survive job losses and economic challenges, I am reminded of how our country was founded and what turn of events transpired to bring about the greatest experiment in self- governance that has ever been conceived. To fully appreciate how far we have moved away from the original designs of our founding documents, we must first understand where it is that our country came from. In particular we should look at the personal aspirations of the brave souls who fought against all odds to not only come to this new land, but then to battle the tyranny of government from afar and overcome hardships that we dare not imagine.

The history of the United States is mired with many tragic events, wars, popular and unpopular political leaders and outspoken critics of government. Certainly there is no shortage of those types of folks today, however there is a key difference between the political leaders of history and those of today. The missing ingredient – in this writers eyes – is honor. Many, and dare I say most, of our political leaders lack honor. Not ’honor’ in the classical sense, but rather an honor that is so deep that it is espoused as a permanent and integral part of their essence. This honor is of the highest magnitude, it surpasses doing what is right simply because it is right and it holds a stronger bond than any familial blood line; no, this honor is about doing what is right because not doing it would grate infinitely harsh against the inner core of your being, such that you would rather suffer immeasurable and irreparable harm than fail at preserving it.

Too often our political leaders view holding office as a power grab, despite their assertion otherwise. It ends up being their golden parachute or fulfilling an internal desire to be famous. Whatever the reasons may be, it is seldom that we find true statesmen. Who do we have, or have we had in our midst in the last 20 years that would begin to measure up against the bar set so high by those such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Samuel Adams. Certainly they exist, but unfortunately they are very rare. The political climate of today instead reflects the poor quality of self-deserving politicos who would rather do what is expedient for the purposes at hand and forgo doing that which is honorable.

The interesting thing here is that it stems not from politicians, but rather the citizens of this once great country who vote them into office because their personal needs would be better served by a political type buying votes as opposed to one doing what is right and just – honorable. Of course we must not forget those who do not vote, as an abstained vote is tantamount to condoning the status quo or roughly the same as a vote against the trailing candidate. But then this isn’t a lesson on why one should vote, but rather why it is important that we maintain the utmost respect for an institution that transcends individual desires.

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America’s Black Founders

June 3rd, 2010
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On Friday, May 28, 2010, Glenn Beck, with his two guests, David Barton and Lucas Morel, did a great show on America’s Black Founders. So often, and rightfully so, we talk about great founders such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson; but many of us were really surprised, and quite honestly, angry, that much of this great history was not shared in our textbooks, and taught in our public schools. As a consequence, too many distortions, in mainstream American history, have been perpetuated over the years. 

I hope that we will see more shows like this, so that African American citizens will be rightfully appreciated for their great contributions to our country; and so our history, which has been distorted, can be corrected. 

The good news is, back then, there were many black citizens, who certainly contributed to our great country, in more ways then most of us realize. I am very thankful to Glenn for bringing this (below) history to the forefront of American culture. 

Enjoy!

Part 1

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Donate Or Volunteer To Save Washington Crossing Park

April 30th, 2010
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The below text is from The friends of Washington Crossing Park Web Site:
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On Christmas Night, 1776, George Washington and the Continental Army mounted a surprise attack against the British by crossing the Delaware River and marching to Trenton, New Jersey. Washington Crossing Park marks the site where Washington’s troops were encamped, as well as the location where they launched the boats across the Delaware River that ensured their victory. This successfully saved Washington’s army, and help lead the Continental Army to final victory. This action by George Washington was one of the most important events in U.S. history.

The Friends of Washington Crossing Park (FWCP) are working tirelessly to open Washington Crossing Historic Park for tours and educational programming. FWCP understands the importance of the park as a historical treasure and cultural gem. In light of recent budget cuts, we believe strongly that now is the time to move forward, take action on this long-standing Bucks County Park, and re-open the doors.

A nonprofit group, FWCP has been formed to pursue and create fundraising, membership and volunteer opportunities. Your donations and assistance will help support our efforts.

When financial budgets cuts by the state of Pennsylvania threatened to cancel the 2009 Christmas Crossing event, FWCP formed as an ad hoc group. We successfully mobilized time and financial resources to see that this significant event succeeded.

While establishing a board of directors, by-laws and nonprofit status, FWCP has continued to host events traditional to the park. FWCP will partner with The Pennsbury Society and will open Bowman’s Tower this May. Very soon, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission (PHMC), we will open the doors to the historic homes at the park and give guided interpretive tours to visitors. 

How can you help our efforts?

Volunteer: There are dozens of volunteer opportunities at Washington Crossing Historic Park from manning the visitor center gift shop to caring for sheep. We need help for special events and on a regular basis. It’s a great way to make friends and connect with the community. No experience is necessary but if you have a special interest or talent, we will find a volunteer opportunity that suits you!

Become a Member: We have several different membership levels. Members are invited to all FWCP events and receive an e-newsletter. Levels are: Patriot ($25 or 20 hours volunteer service), Infantry ($50), Oarsman ($100), Lord Stirling ($250) and General Washington ($500+). Membership dues are used to fund programming and events. Join today by using the Donate link on top right.

Donate: FWCP has ambitious plans to open and improve the park.
http://www.friendsofwashingtoncrossingpark.com

Your donation will help us fulfill our goals.

Friends of Washington Crossing Park
P.O. Box 1776
Washington Crossing, PA 18977 
Thank you,
Mark

The United States Form of Government

February 22nd, 2010
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The below video does a great job at explaining The United States form of government, in comparison to world governments; and the linear differences between Tyranny and Anarchy.

After watching it, you will hopefully better understand and appreciate the great system our founders put in place for our young nation; as well as seeing the  potential peril we can be faced with, if we do not guard our freedom and Republic with great vigilance. Even if this is not new information to you, I see it as a great tool to share with others who are not as well-informed on our system of government.

“Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil, in its worst state, an intolerable one.” 
- Thomas Paine
 

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A Call To Repeal

February 5th, 2010
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A New Beginning:

“A Republic … if you can keep it.” Those words, attributed to Benjamin Franklin during the evening hours of September 17, 1787, spoke into being a rich history of our nation, its founding and the establishment of our Constitution as the rule of law. The Constitution was written, debated, edited and debated further until a consensus of the Constitutional Convention was reached. In his closing speech, Benjamin Franklin acknowledged, “I doubt too whether any other Convention we can obtain may be able to make a better Constitution.” This republic afforded the people of the various sovereign states representation on an equal basis based on the population, these are our representatives in Congress. The states were given an equal say in states matters in the Senate. Together the Representatives and Senators would comprise the legislative branch of our government that would direct the laws and policy of these United States.

Order Out of Chaos:

Much confusion abounded during the time of the convention, bickering among the participants was considerable. However, one item echoed throughout the process that today most folks would deride as folly. During the final debates, Mr. Elbridge Gerry expressed the concern that the Constitution as it was written would lead to a civil war because it didn’t adequately protect republicanism. It was argued that in his home state of Massachusetts, there were two political parties, one devoted to Democracy, “the worst thought of all political evils” and the extreme opposite. Without a guarantee that the Constitution would protect the nation against such extremes, he refused to sign and subsequently argued against ratification because of the lack of a bill of rights that limited the power of the government.

The republic that was formed allowed each state to have 2 senators that were selected by the various states to ensure the government would never impinge upon the sovereignty of the individual states. This bi-level system assured that the states acting in concert could not impose legislation on the country as a whole without the consent that comes from the people through their representatives. The representatives and senators thus each are required to produce legislation and have it approved through both houses assuring the needs of the people are met and the sovereignty of the states is ensured.

States’ Rights Dealt Death Blow:

The 17th Amendment, if doing nothing else, brought about the demise of states rights and effectively neutered the republic. When the Senate passed the amendment on June 12, 1911, they were voting for themselves the ability to be elected by popular vote and whether knowingly or not, they changed the face of the country. A senator elected by the people, will ultimately do the will of the people, or at very least the will of the people who ensure their continued re-election. This holds true for appointed senators as well. Those appointed senators would be loyal to the state legislature. The move from the states’ legislature selecting senators to the people removed the loyalty to the state and put it squarely in the lap of the people. The republic that Ben Franklin anced that historic day in 1787 had been lobotomized.

The Arguments:

There are several arguments for the repeal of the 17th Amendment:

  • It removed states’ representation from the federal government and essentially abolished state sovereignty and the states no longer have a representative voice in the legislature.
  • It removed the balance from the legislative branch of government. A congress made up of elected officials from the enumerated people, plus two from each state essentially gives the people additional representation greater than the enumerated representation allowed by the constitution.
  • Power has become centralized in Washington. A senate without loyalty to the individual states takes away the rights of individual states to pass any meaningful legislation, and causes the legislative power to reside in the federal government.
  • It has increased partisanship in government. Political parties exist to give a stronger voice to like-minded individuals. Since individuals belong to political parties, their will is pressed in the senate as well as the house. The states on the other hand, do not belong to political parties and usually consist of a varied mix of several political views.
  • The Senate is now directly responsible to the people. This means that if they don’t do the will of the people, they can be replaced. While this sounds good, the senate was never designed to do the will of the people. It was designed to do the will of the states. This effectively removed whatever protections the 10th Amendment provided.

The Repeal:

In the political climate today, the likelihood of a repeal of the 17th Amendment is remote. There have been attempts to do so in the past, but they failed due to obvious reasons. As recently as August 2009, there were bipartisan attempts to amend the 17th to prevent the appointment of senators by state governors.

Constitutionally we must live within the law, and when those laws seem unjust or no longer are appropriate, it is the duty of the people to change those laws. The expansion of the federal government has put us on the edge of a crevasse that will soon give way to a calamitous action. We must act with purpose to restore the proper balance to a union of nation/states. Each state being sovereign, each person being secure in their liberty and the strength of the nation improved through a cooperative federal government instead of the bastardized monstrosity we are currently relegated to deal with.

A Time For Choosing By Ronald Reagan

October 27th, 2009
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On October 27, 1964, Ronald Reagan gave this (below) great, and insightful speech, on behalf of Barry Goldwater, Republican candidate for the presidency of The United States. The entire speech can be read here.

If you forward the video to around 4:25, Reagan speaks these “hauntingly familiar” words:

“…they use terms like the “Great Society,” or as we were told a few days ago by the President, we must accept a “greater government activity in the affairs of the people.” But they have been a little more explicit in the past and among themselves–and all of the things that I now will quote have appeared in print. These are not Republican accusations. For example, they have voices that say “the cold war will end through acceptance of a not undemocratic socialism.” Another voice says that the profit motive has become outmoded, it must be replaced by the incentives of the welfare state; or our traditional system of individual freedom is incapable of solving the complex problems of the 20th century. Senator Fullbright has said at Stanford University that the Constitution is outmoded. He referred to the president as our moral teacher and our leader, and he said he is hobbled in his task by the restrictions in power imposed on him by this antiquated document. He must be freed so that he can do for us what he knows is best. And Senator Clark of Pennsylvania, another articulate spokesman, defines liberalism as “meeting the material needs of the masses through the full power of centralized government.” Well, I for one resent it when a representative of the people refers to you and me–the free man and woman of this country–as “the masses.” This is a term we haven’t applied to ourselves in America. But beyond that, “the full power of centralized government”–this was the very thing the Founding Fathers sought to minimize. They knew that governments don’t control things. A government can’t control the economy without controlling people. And they know when a government sets out to do that, it must use force and coercion to achieve its purpose…”

August Townhall Meetings Throughout The United States

August 11th, 2009
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For several months, if not years, The United States citizens have felt extremely disenfranchised and blatantly ignored by a great majority of the people that they elect to represent them. However, this all came to a head in September of 2008, when it was anced that the financial giant, Lehman Brothers, was going under.
 
Subsequently, a domino effect began taken place, and the federal government, despite the will of the vast majority of citizens, took us down a reckless path of bailouts, and extraordinary, unprecedented amounts of government spending; all while so many companies were laying off, and people began loosing their homes, in record numbers.
 
Finally, after several months of the citizen pleas, and failed attempts to communicate with Congress, to simply ask them to please, slow down, it now appears to be coming to a head.
 
At last, The Congress “Let them eat cake” attitude appears to be catching up to them, as they are now back in their home districts, and meeting face to face with their constituents. And for all the members of Congress that have failed to listen to, or care about their constituents, I say, “Let them eat cake”!
 
The below clips are from a series of town hall meetings that have been taken place around the country, in the month of August, 2009…
 

The Powers Of The United States Congress

July 10th, 2009
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As many people know, and are deeply concerned about, our federal government is growing exponentially; and the question is often asked, where does the power of the federal government end, and the state power, and the people thereof begin? For anyone asking this question, it is a great question. Please consider what one of our founding fathers, and third president, Thomas Jefferson once said:

“When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.”

Our founders were very wise, and most believed in the de-centralization of power, and often chose to relinquish power; unlike the over-reaching and ever-expanding federal government that we are often seeing today.

When our founders drafted The United States Constitution, the federal government was given explicit powers…

First let’s look at the expressed powers given  to The (Legislative Branch) United States Congress:

Article 1, Section 8:
  • The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defense and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;
  • To borrow Money on the credit of the United States;
  • To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;
  • To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;
  • To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;
  • To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States;
  • To establish Post Offices and post Roads;
  • 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;
  • To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;
  • To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations;
  • To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;
  • To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;
  • To provide and maintain a Navy;
  • To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;
  • To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;
  • To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;
  • To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;
And lastly, the below clause, has often been used by Congress to expand their authority, and to make additional laws “as they deem necessary”; this is also referred to as The  Elastic Clause; and some refer to it as The Necessary and Proper Clause:
  • —And To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the “foregoing” Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof. 
Now, let’s look at the powers withheld from The United States Congress: 
Article 1, Section 9:
  • The Migration or Importation of such Persons (prev. referred to as slaves) as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight (1808), but a Tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each Person.
  • The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.
  • No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.
  • No Capitation, or other direct, Tax shall be laid, unless in Proportion to the Census or enumeration herein before directed to be taken.
  • No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.
  • No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State over those of another; nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay Duties in another.
  • No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time.
  • No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State. 
These days, we hear a lot about The Tenth Amendment of The Constitution; the first ten amendments are also known as The Bill of Rights; which are the citizens’ rights, protected by The Constitution: 
Let’s take a quick look at The Tenth Amendment: 

“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people”. 

So, this is very interesting: after reading the tenth amendment, you would think, any powers that were not given to the Federal Government, by The Constitution, are explicitly retained by the states and the people, respectively.  

To me, this begs the question, where does The Elastic Clause end, and The Tenth Amendment begin?

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The Powers Of The United States President

July 10th, 2009
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Lately, there has been some concern as to what explicit powers were given to The (Executive Branch) United States President by The Constitution; let’s take a look:

Article 2, Section 2:

  • The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to Grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.
  • He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.
  • The President shall have Power to fill up all Vacancies that may happen during the Recess of the Senate, by granting Commissions which shall expire at the End of their next Session.

Then there are presidential duties:

Article 2, Section 3:

  • He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information on the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient; he may, on extraordinary Occasions, convene both Houses, or either of them, and in Case of Disagreement between them, with Respect to the Time of Adjournment, he may adjourn them to such Time as he shall think proper; he shall receive Ambassadors and other public Ministers; he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed, and shall Commission all the Officers of the United States.

And lastly, a United States President can be impeached (removed from office) for any of the below reasons:

  • The President, Vice President and all Civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.

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The Powers Of The United States Federal Courts

July 9th, 2009
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Below are the powers granted to our (Judicial Branch) Federal Courts by The Constitution:

Article 3, Section 1:

  • The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour, and shall, at stated Times, receive for their Services, a Compensation, which shall not be diminished during their Continuance in Office.

Article 3, Section 2:

  • The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority;—to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public ministers and Consuls;—to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction;—to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party;—to Controversies between two or more States;—between a State and Citizens of another State;—between Citizens of different States;—between Citizens of the same State claiming Lands under Grants of different States, and between a State, or the Citizens thereof, and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects.
  • In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party, the supreme Court shall have original Jurisdiction. In all the other Cases before mentioned, the supreme Court shall have appellate Jurisdiction, both as to Law and Fact, with such Exceptions, and under such Regulations as the Congress shall make.
  • The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the Congress may by Law have directed.

Article 3, Section 3:

  • Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.
  • The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attained.

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And They Mutually Pledged Their Lives, Their Fortunes, And Their Sacred Honor

June 27th, 2009
Reply

“We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”

The Declaration of Independence
Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson

Further reading:
While evils are sufferable
And they petitioned
And they appealed to their British brothers

And They Appealed To Their British Brothers

June 26th, 2009
2

“Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends”…

The Declaration of Independence
Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson 

Further reading:
While evils are sufferable
And they petitioned
And they mutually pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor

And They Petitioned

June 20th, 2009
1

“The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world”…

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(view grievances)
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“In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people”… 


The Declaration of Independence
Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson

Further reading:
While evils are sufferable
And they appealed to their British brothers
And they mutually pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor

While Evils Are Sufferable

June 18th, 2009
2

“Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies—”… 

The Declaration of Independence
Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson

Further reading:
And they petitioned
And they appealed to their British brothers
And they mutually pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor

We Are A Republic

June 17th, 2009
3

Democracy was started in Ancient Greece, and the word Democracy in Greek is “demos kratia,” which in English, literally means “people rule.”

Therefore, let’s not be confused or misled: here in The United States, we are not living in a true democracy… If anything, we have  a Representative form of Democracy.

In reality, we are a Republic… which is a state or a country that is not led by a monarchy, and which the people (or part of the people) have an impact on it’s government. More broadly, we are a Constitutional Republic, governed by laws, and by which the people are represented by elected officials.

The word Republic is derived from the Latin phrase “res publica,“ which is translated to English as “public thing,” or “public affair.”

Article 4, Section 4, of The United States Constitution:
“The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government,…”