Have you ever noticed the differences between how your State and Federal legislatures operate? We will talk with Senator Mike Braun who has experience in both the U.S. Senate and the Indiana General Assembly to get some interesting perspectives on the differences.   Resources Convention of States   Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.

Government lockdowns in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have infringed on our inalienable right to the pursuit of happiness.   Resources Wikipedia entry on Police Power The Proper Scope of the Police Power   Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.

Since the ratification of the constitution, there have been over 12,000 attempts to propose amendments. Of those, 33 have been passed by congress to become proposed amendments. 27 of those have been ratified as part of the constitution. In this episode, we will take a look at the 6 unratified amendments.  Resources: Pew Research on Proposed Amendments Unratified Amendments The First and Most Important First Amendment Convention of States Project   Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.

Socialism or Capitalism seems to be the question of the day. But this is the wrong question. The real question is Statism or Freedomism. The answer is Freedomism.  Resources: Restoring America's Soul The Deadly Isms The Declaration of Independence and the American Theory of Government: “First Come Rights, and Then Comes Government" Convention of States Project   Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.

Judicial Review allows the Supreme Court to exercise a power it was never granted - the power to legislate.   Resources: Miranda vs Arizona Federalist 78 Dickerson vs United States Section 3501 Marbury vs Madison The Second American Revolution The Original Meaning of the Judicial Power Convention of States Project   Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.

What many may have missed in the circus that was the Kavanaugh confirmation hearing, is the excellent diagnosis of what ails our Federal Government presented by Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse. In this episode, we will review Senator Sasse’s diagnosis and what it has to do with a concept known as The Non-Delegation Doctrine.  Resources: Senator Ben Sasse Statement John Locke's 2nd Treatise on Government The Creature from Jekyll Island The Four Stages of Approval of the Bill of Rights in Congress and the States Convention of States Project   Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.

We celebrate Constitution Day on September 17 - the date of the signing of the Constitution. In this episode we will explore the objections of George Mason who refused to sign the Constituion.   Resources: The Virginia Declaration of Rights James Madison's convention notes from September 15 George Mason's Objections The First and Most Important First Amendment Convention of States Project   Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.

In a recent appearance on Steve Hilton's The Next Revolution, Jason Chaffetz and Tomi Lahren both expressed a great deal of fear over a Convention of the States. Chaffetz claimed that "you don't know what the rules are if you have one of these." This episode discusses the rules that apply to such a convention and why there is nothing to fear.   Resources: Defying Conventional Wisdom: The Constitution was not the product of a runaway convention   Convention of States Project   Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.

The 17th amendment, ratified in 1913, changed they way senators are elected. Prior to 1913, Senators were elected by, and were accountable to, the respective state legislatures. After 1913, senators were chosen by popular election.  The impact of the 17th amendment should be obvious when you consider the dramatic expansion of the federal government in the mid-20th century, with the states powerless to contain it. Resources:   Ulysses at the Mast: Democracy, Federalism, and the Sirens' Song of the Seventeenth Amendment The Constitution The Articles of Confederation Federalist #39 Federalist #62 Federalist #26 Convention of States Project   Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.

With the recent presidental election going to the winner of the Electoral College rather than the winner of the popular vote, the Electoral College is facing hightened criticism and calls for elimination. The Electoral College is not, as characterized by Hillary Clinton, “an anachronism designed for another time”. It is just another one of the ingenious components of the constitution, devised by the founders, to protect our rights and freedoms.   Resources:   Convention of States Project   Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.

Our modern conception of democracy is one of social and political equality. Our founders understood that democracy in practice is a danger to individual rights and liberty.   Resources: Federalist Paper # 9 Federalist Paper # 10 Convention of States Project   Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.

Executive Orders, while not expressly authorized in the Constitution, are an effective tool for ensuring that the laws are faithfully executed. When Executive Orders stray into the realm of legislation, we have a problem.   Resources: Sign the Petition Executive Orders   Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.

Nancy Peolsi's comment was made in an effort to pass the Affordable Care Act. She could not have known at the time how true her statement would become, thanks to the Supreme Court.   Resources: Sign the Petition NFIB V Sebelius King V Burwell   Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.

In a recent interview, Hillary Clinton used the 'Con-Con' Con to attack the Convention of States. Listen and learn how to spot the 'Con-Con' Con.   Resources: Sign the Petition Mark Meckler Responds to Hillary's Comments     Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.

Convention of States is a grassroots led effort. Find out how you can take action to advance the cause.   Your To Do List: Sign the Petition Like the Facebook Page Follow on Twitter Learn More Register for Introduction Webinar Donate Donate to Citizens for Self-Governance on Amazon.com Volunteer Join a Volunter Team Become a Leader   Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.

Term limits for federal officials are supported by about 75% of Americans. Should we "Throw the Bums Out"? The answer might not be that simple.   Resources: State Legislature Term Limits State Gubernatorial Term Limits State Judiciary Mandatory Retirement Convention of States   Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.

Exactly what form of governance is this "More Perfect Union" the Founders created? The answer is at the same time both more complex and much simpler than you may think.   Resources: Forms of Governance Captain Levi Preston Interview The Convention of States Project   Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.

Key Points: A simulated Article V Convention of States was held on September 22 & 23, 2016.The purpose was to demonstrate that the process of an Article V Convention of the States works.Six proposed amendments were passed.Commissioners from all 50 states were invited, and all 50 states participated.   Resources:   The Simulated Convention The Convention of States Project   Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.

Key Points   Subsidies Are a redistribution of wealth and a violation of property rights.Allow the Federal Government to pick winners and losers.Add to the Federal Debt.Create distortions in free markets.Create a moral hazard.Create crony capitalism.Create regulatory capture.Are unconsitiutional.   Resources:     The Pig Book Uncle Sam's Favorite Corporations The Convention of States Project   Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.

Key Points The cost of regulation in 2016 was $1.9 Trillion.In 2016, 18 new regulations were enacted for each law passed by Congress.Businesses and interest goups co-opt the regulators through Regulatory Capture.Regulation is unconstitutional.   Resources:   California Farmer Kentucky Amish Man Unelected Bureaucrats 10,000 Commandments The Theory of Economic Regulation The Administrative Threat The Convention of States Project   Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.