Topic: Federalist Papers

A conservative worries: Will Gingrich return America to the days of King George?

As a conservative constitutional scholar, I am deeply troubled by Newt Gingrich's vision for executive power over the courts – even if it is to strike back at liberal judges. Such a seizure of power threatens the rule of law upon which free and equal citizenship is founded.

The most important election of a lifetime? So say Gingrich et al.

As Gingrich faces Romney in Florida, he calls 2012 the 'most important election of our lifetime.' Sometimes he compares its significance to the pre-Civil War era. GOP rivals like Santorum and key Democrats like Pelosi are also gasping about the stakes. Time to catch our breath.

As debate roars over Haley Barbour pardons, five released convicts vanish

Mississippi's attorney general says he may call for a national manhunt to find five pardoned prisoners, including four convicted killers, who were released by outgoing Gov. Haley Barbour.

Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman

Biographer Robert K. Massie gives us a Catherine the Great who is ever interesting and intelligent – but not necessarily admirable.

What are India's Anna Hazare protests all about?

Mr. Hazare wants his proposed anticorruption agency to have police and prosecution powers over the entire government. The government wants it only to be advisory.

Obama's call for Americans to chime in on debt-ceiling deal

His request to call lawmakers in support of a debt-ceiling solution requires a great faith that Americans know how to handle their own debt or can reconcile competing impulses about taxes and spending.

Why should moving to a different state change the power of your political voice?

That's exactly the situation today with the US Senate. Because the Senate guarantees two seats regardless of population, one voter in Wyoming gets as much influence on lawmaking as 66 Californians. It's time to change this outdated structure.

Obamacare, the Constitution, and the original meaning of the Commerce Clause

Several lawsuits over the health-care reform's individual mandate hinge on interpretations of the constitution's Commerce Clause. This clause is widely believed to grant Congress broad power over national markets. But that isn't what the founders had in mind.

The soul of the state

Christian values are not fundamentally at odds with government. There's room for debate and constructive criticism, but not an all-out attack on government's legitimacy. Instead, Christians should consider the role of the state within the framework of their guiding principles.

Free speech in a fishbowl

In a world where everyone has access instantly to what is said on the other side of the planet, free speech has to reckon with millions of new 'free listeners'

Stewart and Colbert rallies in Washington: Political activism for the rest of us?

Comedy Central talk show hosts Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert announced dueling rallies in Washington October 30.

Elena Kagan and the case for an elitist Supreme Court

The Supreme Court was designed by the Founders to be elitist.

ObamaCare and the Constitution: What would Jefferson and Madison think?

A careful reading of the US Constitution shows no authority for the new health-care law's mandate to buy private insurance.

Obama's disappointing secrecy

He promised openness. Instead, like Bush's, his administration wants the power to keep Congress in the dark on some intelligence activities.

The Federalist Papers

Promised Land

Works that reflect America's aims and desires.

Does the bailout spree signal the end of democracy?

Loose fiscal policy is said to doom democracies to despotism.

Wanted: Metaphors for spamming

What's next for the Ron Paul revolution?

The effort to renew the Founding Fathers' vision is good for America.

Transformational leaders are not always better

They can inspire and unite followers, but effectiveness and ethics can suffer.

The law vs. online hate speech

Anonymous bullies must be held accountable.

Letters to the Editor

Readers write about Bill Clinton's place in this year's campaign, nationwide climate change education, the age factor in government, and the Navy's use of sonar technology.