INDEPENDENCE VERSE GOVERNMENT DEPENDENCE

This Friday is "Independence Day," or more popularly known as the 4th of July. While it is a day to celebrate our independence from England, the reality is that the "Independence" we will be celebrating on Friday is not the same "Independence" that we won as a result of the Revolutionary War and enshrined in our Constitution.

Because the relationship between the federal government and the several states is crucial to our true "Independence," and the American political system, our Founding Fathers designed a framework where state governments were meant to be sovereign entities.

They aimed to protect the citizens of the newly formed Nation by creating a federal government to fulfill limited functions, operating under strict limitations. However, over the years, we have witnessed a concerning trend of federal overreach, raising important questions about state sovereignty as envisioned in the Constitution.

The Constitutional Framework

To grasp the role of the federal government, it's essential to acknowledge that it was created to serve the states, not the other way around. The framers established a federal government to handle collective needs that individual states could not manage effectively. The primary responsibilities of the federal government, as detailed in the Constitution, include:

• Providing for the common defense

• Regulating commerce

• Establishing post offices

• Managing treaties

• Raising revenue

  
  

For the first 180 years after the Constitution was ratified, the federal government generally respected these limitations. Both levels of government operated together without infringing on each other's responsibilities. This balance allowed states to maintain their sovereignty and diversity while enabling the federal government to fulfill its essential functions.

The Shift Towards Centralization

The foundational principle of state sovereignty underwent significant changes in the 20th century. It can be argued that the seeds of increased federal control were planted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s "New Deal" policies, which sought to intervene extensively in the economic affairs of states. This trend continued until the passage of President Lyndon B. Johnson's "Great Society" legislation. Here, Congress began to assume responsibilities that rightly belonged to the states.

For example, during the Great Society era, federal funding for education expanded by approximately 125% from 1965 to 1970. This shift meant that local control over schools diminished as federal influence grew. With ongoing expansions in areas such as education, energy, agriculture, healthcare, and continuing attempts to restrict our right to own and bear arms, the 10th Amendment becomes increasingly vital, as it states that any powers not delegated to the federal government or prohibited to the states are reserved for the states and the people therein.

The Overreach of Federal Authority

The Constitution does not give the federal government the authority to dictate state-level domestic policy. Federalism, a system with independent state governments, raises the question: How did we arrive at a place where federal authority consistently encroaches on state sovereignty?

Relying on federal services has become common among citizens, which many believe justifies federal overreach. Between 1990 and 2020, the percentage of federal funding allocated to state budgets increased from approximately 25% to nearly 40%. While this may provide immediate benefits, it undermines state autonomy, resulting in a centralized authority that overlooks the distinct needs and interests of individual states and their citizens.

Reclaiming Our Sovereignty

With the significant drift from the original Constitution's intentions, a recalibration is necessary. One proposed solution is to convene a “Convention of States” under Article V of the Constitution. This would empower states to propose amendments aimed at curbing federal overreach. The focus should be on three key areas:

1. Term Limits: Implement term limits for members of Congress and federal bureaucrats to enhance accountability and prevent career politicians from establishing a foothold.

   
   

2. Balanced Budget Amendment: Implement a balanced budget requirement to limit excessive federal spending and foster fiscal responsibility.

   
   

3. Restricting Federal Jurisdiction: Ensure Congress adheres to the same laws as citizens and restrict federal authority from enacting regulations that sidestep legislative processes.

   
   

By pursuing these amendments, we can start to restore the balance that has been disrupted and safeguard the principles of a true republic for present and future generations.

Taking Action for Change

As engaged citizens in a democratic republic, we must actively participate in reclaiming our rights. Allowing federal overreach to continue unchecked threatens our foundational principles. It is crucial to resist complacency and actively restore state sovereignty.

To make a difference, consider getting involved in local advocacy groups or joining efforts related to the Convention of States. Educating yourself about these initiatives and discussing them within your community can spark essential conversations about the balance of power between state and federal governments.

Through collective action, we can hold our federal government accountable and amplify the voices of our states. Together, we have the power to reclaim our republic.

This blog serves as a call to action for those who value state sovereignty and adhere to the principles of the Constitution. Now is the time to remain vigilant, engaged, and proactive in nurturing our democratic ideals. Let’s ensure that future generations inherit a free, strong, and vibrant republic. This begins today, leading up to the upcoming November municipal elections, by becoming involved in those elections.

While you enjoy your family gatherings and the fireworks displays associated with the 4th of July, keep in mind that this day is "Independence Day." A day we celebrate because of the sacrifices made by those brave men and women who fought and sacrificed so much during the Revolutionary War and many subsequent wars thereafter. Recognize the very real reality that our "Independence" is slowly being eroded by a power-hungry federal bureaucracy, and this erosion must be halted now.