Tag: constitution

From Schenck to today: When political rhetoric edges toward dangerous lines

As a Civil War historian, I’m often asked how close we are to repeating 1860. My answer has always been that we aren’t there yet, but we are edging closer to the 1850s. A recent example of this rising partisanship came last month when six Democrats released a video urging U.S. troops to refuse presidential … Continue reading From Schenck to today: When political rhetoric edges toward dangerous lines →

Constitution 101: Privileges, Immunities and Debate

From Southwest Ledger https://www.southwestledger.news/opinion/constitution-101-privileges-immunities-and-debate Over the years, I have come to realize that many of my students know little about the U.S. Constitution. And even as I speak to older generations, I realize parts of the Constitution are somewhat foreign to them as well. Most know the basics and major clauses, but there is so … Continue reading Constitution 101: Privileges, Immunities and Debate →

Constitution 101: Journal and Adjournment Clauses

Article I, Section 5, Clauses 3 and 4 of our Constitution proves there are some areas of the government where everyone actually can agree — well almost. Clause 3 states, “Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment … Continue reading Constitution 101: Journal and Adjournment Clauses →

Too many cooks in the kitchen spoil the broth

From Southwest Ledger Last week after learning about America’s bombing of Iran, two debates emerged: Did we do the right thing? And did President Trump have the legal authority to attack Iran without congressional authority or input? The first question is difficult to answer, and we probably will not know until everything has played out. … Continue reading Too many cooks in the kitchen spoil the broth →

Constitution 101: Congressional Authority and the Quorum Clause

From Southwest Ledger In many ways, Article I, Section V of our Constitution is a continuation of Section IV in that it established the rules and powers of Congress. The first part gives Congress some judicial power while, at the same time, it eliminates one of the biggest tricks parties used to block legislation. Article … Continue reading Constitution 101: Congressional Authority and the Quorum Clause →

To What Degree Should Judicial Review Extend to the Executive Branch?

From Southwest Ledger So far in President Trump’s short second term his greatest adversary has been the judicial branch. Some of his programs have been blocked by federal judges while others already have been overturned. This is nothing new. No matter which party the president has been there always seems to be a judge somewhere … Continue reading To What Degree Should Judicial Review Extend to the Executive Branch? →

Constitution 101: Senate Impeachment Clause

From Southwest Ledger A primary goal of the Founders was to protect the people from a strong federal government. They accomplished this with a series of checks and balances where all three branches received relatively equal strength and gave each branch the ability to check each other’s powers. As an additional check on the power … Continue reading Constitution 101: Senate Impeachment Clause →

Constitution 101: Senate Qualifications Clause

From Southwest Ledger As our Founding Fathers were discussing the creation of the Senate, or upper house in Congress, they had to consider qualifications for members to hold such important positions. What they determined constitutes Article I, Section III, Clause III, of the Constitution or what is known as the Senate Qualification Clause. This clause … Continue reading Constitution 101: Senate Qualifications Clause →