Constitution
Return Government to Its Proper Role

Vol. 39, No. 05

03/13/2023

Return Government to Its Proper Role

William S. Hahn

According to Article II, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution, the president of the United States is to “give to Congress information of the state of the Union and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.” The content of what has become known as the State of the Union address is a direct reflection of how the president interprets his job and how he goes about accomplishing it.

The Founding Fathers viewed government with suspicion, and set limitations on it to protect the God-given rights of We the People. For them, government was a negative force that needed to be controlled. 

The fourth paragraph of The Federalist, No. 51, contains a great deal of wisdom concerning the ever-expanding character of government and of human nature expected to keep government accountable. The paragraph in question, written by either James Madison or Alexander Hamilton, should be mandatory study for all citizens, especially for anyone seeking higher office. 

Log in to Continue Reading

Premium Content

The full article includes detailed analysis of Massie's legislative strategy, exclusive quotes from the interview, and insider information about upcoming votes.

Log In to Continue Reading
The New American Digital Subscription
  • 12 Issues Per Year
  • Digital Edition Access
  • Digital Insider Report
  • Exclusive Subscriber Content
  • Audio provided for all articles
  • Unlimited access to past issues
  • Cancel anytime
  • Renews automatically
Subscribe Now
The New American Print+Digital Subscription
  • 12 Issues Per Year
  • Print edition delivery (USA) *Available Outside USA
  • Digital Edition Access
  • Digital Insider Report
  • Exclusive Subscriber Content
  • Audio provided for all articles
  • Unlimited access to past issues
  • Cancel anytime
  • Renews automatically
Subscribe Now