Limited Government | Principles of the Constitution - YouTube

"Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people." Hello...I’m

Alan Scholl... for the Freedom Project sponsored by the American Opinion Foundation. Welcome

to “Principles of the Constitution Series.” We hope to help you understand the original

plan for the government of this great nation, as constructed by the Founding Fathers.

In this lesson we’re going to concentrate on the concept of “Limited Government.”

Can you tell me what kind of government the United States has? is it a Democracy a Socialist

government a Republic or a Monarchy Actually a better question should be...What kind of

government is United states suppose to have? Well, we have been consistently been misinformed

that we live in a democracy... and Yet you will not find “democracy” anywhere in

the U.S. Constitution or any of the 50 state constitutions. And Monarchy? No we don’t

have a king. So is it a Socialist government? ...No, A socialist government attempts to

control every aspect of every human being's life. The correct answer is a Republic.

The founders were very clear when they established a Republic as the form of Government in the

United states, in which the United States Constitution clearly limits the size and power

of the government. In America today, government programs touch nearly every aspect of our

lives. It regulates such things as: businesses, homes, the economy and even our healthcare.

Obviously these regulations affect everyone...Grandparents, Parents, even children. Benjamin Franklin

put it this way; "The ordaining of laws in favor of one part of the nation, to the prejudice

and oppression of another, is certainly the most erroneous and mistaken policy. … These

measures never fail to create great and violent jealousies and animosities between the people

favored and the people oppressed." Similar were the sentiments of the economist, political

philosopher and creator of the Federalist Party; Alexander Hamilton. “It has been

observed that a pure democracy if it were practicable would be the most perfect government.

Experience has proved that no position is more false than this. ... Their very character

was tyranny...” Hamilton was one of America’s first Constitutional lawyers and author of

the Federalist Papers, a primary source - still used interpret the Constitution today. Lets

take a step into the past

Oops...a little too far. Much better. It’s 1789 and we’re at Constitution Hall in Philadelphia.

The delegates of the first 13 states are discussing the replacement of the Articles of the Confederation.

which had failed after only two years. The failed Articles of the Confederation were

established during the War of Independence. Back to Constitution Hall - where the delegates

decided a Republic would be the best form of government for the new America. Despite

this decision - even Benjamin Franklin knew a Republic, while best for the country - would

be tough to keep. The original intent of the Republic was to protect the country and

handle differences between states. National Government was to be a framework for defense,

with no more than the minimum power required. The limitations of the Constitution were designed

to prevent the massive control and power our Founding Fathers saw in other nations. The

Primary author of the Constitution and America’s fourth President - James Madison said; “If

we advert {revert} to the nature of republican government, we shall find that the censorial

power is in the people over the government, and not in the government over the people.”

The power of the people over the government was the source and reason for the freedom,

prosperity and success of America. The change in our society, economy and loss of freedoms

today are directly related to the change in our government. The principle author of

The Declaration of Independence and America's third president, Thomas Jefferson said; “It

is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. ... I predict future

happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of

the people under the pretense of taking care of them. ... most bad government results from

too much government.”

Jefferson’s words now echo in the reality of today’s government. The founders intended

to limit the government and it’s powers. Each of our country’s three branches was

created to act in the best interest of the people and not to step on them. or their God

given liberties. So you have got all that? Let’s find out. Question one: True of False.

The articles of confederation is used as the current framework for the organization of

the United States Government?

False. Question two: What form of government did the founding fathers select for the United

States. A. Socialist B. Monarchy C. Democracy D. Republic

And the answer is Republic. Question three: How many times is the word “Democracy”

mentioned in the U.S. Constitution? A. None B. 10 times C. 100 times D. Once per article

Democracy is not mentioned at all in the U.S. Constitution. Question four: A Republic form

of government is when... A. All leaders are required to be Republican B. Government oversees

all facets of a citizens life C. Elected officials represent the people

D. An elected President has supreme power

A Republic is when Elected officials represent the people. And the people control the power.

Question five: Who was the primary author of the U.S. Constitution? A. George Washington

B. James Madison C. John Hancock D. Ben Franklin

The correct answer is, James Madison. How did you do? Perhaps you learned you need

to know more about the United States Constitution to protect your rights.

I’m Alan Scholl for the Freedom Project...welcome home.