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Constitutional Philosophy
The Elections Clause of the National Constitution provides philosophy relating to how election processes are to be established, and what those processes will entail.
- U.S. Constitution, Article 1, Section 4
“The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators.”
This provision was deliberately worded to outline which state legislatures have the authority to determine and set election laws and procedures, save for an act of congress, like the Help America Vote Act, also known as HAVA. This is the most devastating piece of federal legislation, as it effectively incentivized the adoption and implementation of computerized voting systems with financial compensation.
- The Federalist Papers: Thomas Jefferson letter to David Howell 10/15/1810
“I learn with pleasure that republican principles are predominant in your state, because I conscientiously believe that governments founded in them are most friendly to the happiness of the people at large; and especially of a people so capable of self government as ours. I have been ever opposed to the party, so falsely called federalists, because I believe them desirous of introducing, into our government, authorities hereditary or otherwise independant of the national will. these always consume the public contributions and oppress the people with labour & poverty…”
And of his fellow patriots working towards a republican form of government, he said:
“I do not take the trouble of forming opinions on what is passing among them; because I have such entire confidence in their integrity & wisdom, as to be satisfied all is going right, & that every one is doing his best in the station confided to him.”
We must call upon our elected officials to display integrity and wisdom, and to do their best in the station confided to them.
