Friends Of Free Government: Upholding Constitutional Principles

The US Constitution is founded on the principle of separation of powers, which divides the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary functions into separate branches of government. This principle, first adopted by Adams in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Constitution, was included to prevent abuses of power and protect equal rights. The US Constitution also establishes the principle of federalism, which divides power between different levels of government, such as national, state, and local, each with its own defined powers. The first ten amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, further protect individual liberties and limit government power. These include freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and due process protections.

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Separation of powers

The principle of separation of powers is a cornerstone of the American Constitution and a key value of the Friends of Free Government. This principle holds that the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary should be independent of each other, with their own distinct functions and spheres of influence.

The separation of powers is designed to prevent the concentration of power in a single branch of government, thus protecting against tyranny and ensuring the preservation of liberty. This principle was first adopted by John Adams in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Constitution in 1780, and it was subsequently included in the US Constitution, marking a significant step towards a free and just society.

The inclusion of this principle in the US Constitution was influenced by the early efforts of Adams and the brilliance of Montesquieu, a French political philosopher. The concept of separation of powers was also reflected in the thoughts of Thomas Jefferson, who emphasised the importance of independence among the three branches of government.

George Washington also acknowledged the significance of this principle in his Farewell Address, admonishing those serving in the government to respect the separation of powers and avoid encroaching upon the domain of another branch. This warning highlights the importance of maintaining the balance of power and preventing the concentration of authority in any single branch of government.

The US Constitution, with its checks and balances, structural divisions, and the Bill of Rights, provides a framework to protect equal rights and guard against abuses of power. This includes the First Amendment, which protects free speech and worship, and the Fourth Amendment, which safeguards citizens' privacy. The Constitution also establishes the principle of due process, ensuring fair treatment by the government and protecting citizens' rights to life, liberty, and property.

Checks and balances

The US Constitution is founded on the principle of checks and balances, which is designed to protect equal rights and prevent abuses of power. The Constitution establishes a system of government with three independent branches: the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. Each branch has its own set of powers and responsibilities, and they are designed to balance and check each other's power. This system of checks and balances is essential to maintaining the independence of each branch and preventing the concentration of power in any one branch.

The concept of checks and balances was first introduced by the Articles of Confederation, which established a league of friendship between the states rather than a strong national union. The Articles of Confederation declared that "each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and every power, jurisdiction, and right, which is not by this Confederation expressly delegated to the United States." This meant that the states held the majority of the power, and the national government had limited authority.

However, the US Constitution strengthened the national government by granting it additional powers, such as the ability to declare war, make treaties, and regulate interstate trade. To prevent the abuse of power, the Constitution established a system of checks and balances between the three branches of government. The legislative branch, composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives, is responsible for creating laws. The executive branch, led by the President, is responsible for enforcing those laws. The judiciary branch, made up of the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, interprets the laws and determines their constitutionality.

Each branch has specific tools to check the power of the other branches. For example, the President has the power to veto legislation passed by Congress, but Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both houses. The Supreme Court can declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional, but the legislative and executive branches can appoint and confirm the justices who serve on the Court. This system of checks and balances ensures that no one branch can dominate the others and protects against the concentration of power.

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, further reinforce the principle of checks and balances by limiting government power and protecting individual liberties. For example, the First Amendment protects freedom of speech and religion, while the Fourth Amendment safeguards citizens' right to privacy and protection from unreasonable searches and seizures. These amendments provide additional checks on government power and ensure the protection of fundamental rights.

Federalism

The concept of federalism was first introduced in Article II of the Articles of Confederation, which stated that each state retains its "sovereignty, freedom, and independence" and all powers not expressly delegated to the United States. This resulted in a weak national government that lacked the necessary powers to govern effectively. The Constitution addressed this issue by strengthening the national government with powers such as declaring war, making treaties, and regulating interstate trade.

The principle of federalism is closely related to the separation of powers between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. This separation of powers helps to limit the concentration of power and preserve the liberties of the people. It also contributes to the dynamic tension between the national government and the states, which has been a defining feature of American politics.

Overall, federalism is a fundamental aspect of the American constitutional system, providing a framework for dividing power and preserving the freedoms and liberties that are central to the American idea of a free and independent nation.

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Free speech

The Friends of Free Government support the constitutional principle of free speech. Free speech is a fundamental right that is protected by the First Amendment to the US Constitution. James Madison, who wrote the Bill of Rights, saw the ability to speak freely as a natural right.

The US Constitution is founded on the principle of separation of powers, which divides power between the legislature, executive, and judiciary, and between the national, state, and local governments. This principle is intended to limit government power and protect individual liberties, including the right to free speech.

The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution to address concerns about government overreach and protect against abuses of power. The Fourth Amendment, for example, safeguards citizens' right to privacy and freedom from unreasonable government intrusion in their homes. The principle of due process of law, enshrined in the Fifth Amendment, further protects citizens' rights to life, liberty, and property, ensuring that the government treats its citizens fairly and follows established procedures.

The tension between the national government and the states, known as federalism, also helps to limit government power and preserve individual liberties. The Anti-Federalists, who favoured state and local governments, wanted a bill of rights to safeguard individual liberty, including the right to free speech.

Today, the right to free speech is under threat from extreme elements across the political spectrum, alongside other constitutional norms such as the separation of powers and due process protections. Citizen activists are engaged in supporting free speech on college campuses and beyond, resisting censorship and government overreach to protect a free and open marketplace of ideas.

Due process

The principle of due process is a fundamental aspect of the American constitutional system and a key value for friends of free government. Due process protections are a bedrock of criminal justice and a crucial check on government power.

The concept of due process is deeply rooted in the American constitutional tradition. The Fourth Amendment, for example, safeguards citizens' right to be secure in their homes against unreasonable government intrusion by requiring a warrant. Similarly, the First Amendment protects the freedoms of speech and worship as natural rights. These amendments reflect the belief in limited government power and robust protection of individual liberties.

The U.S. Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances, dividing power between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, and between the national and state governments, through the principle of federalism. This division of power helps to limit the dangers of tyranny and preserve the liberties of the people.

Friends of free government advocate for a constitutionally limited government, promoting a free and open marketplace of ideas. They support efforts to create an effective criminal justice system that protects public safety, respects human dignity, and ensures equal justice for all. By upholding the principle of due process, they seek to protect citizens' rights and maintain the balance of power between the government and the governed.

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