10^th AMENDMENT TASK FORCE

Weekly Top "10" - June 07, 2010

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Washington, Jun 7, 2010 - 1)   Federalism and Interstate Commerce.  Clint Bolick argues that the growing nationwide call for federalism and greater state autonomy has grown so passionate that some people are attempting to hijack federalist arguments.

2)   Anatomy of a Metaphor.  In this May, 2001 essay, Michael Greve, federalism scholar par excellence, explored the history and meaning behind Louis Brandeis’s famous “Laboratories of Democracy” metaphor.

3)   Give up States’ Rights.  Stephen Green, aka “VodkaPundit,” urges conservatives and libertarians to give up the notion of “states’ rights.”

4)   Repeal the 17th Amendment?  (Hint: that’s the one that allows for the direct election of Senators).  Allowing states to appoint Senators is considered by many as the linchpin of the Constitution’s federalist system.  The New York Times scornfully reports that some “eccentric” folks still believe that repealing the 17th is essential to reduce the power of the federal government and enhance state rights.

5)   Texas Governor to write book on Federalism.  Texas Governor, Rick Perry, is planning to write a book about “the infringement on state's rights by the federal government.”  The book is expected for release later this Fall.

6)   Federalist Argument for state-based Immigration Laws.  James Carafano makes a federalist case for Arizona’s  recent immigration law.

7)   Federalist Argument against state-based Immigration Laws.  A North Carolina editorial takes the contrary view and advises politicians to avoid mimicking Arizona’s immigration law since immigration is an enumerated power given to the federal government.   

8)   The 10th Amendment and Abortion.  A New American article describes how state governments are reasserting their constitutional right to regulate abortion.

9)   Another Sticky Question for Federalism.  Jeffrey Miron raises some difficult questions in a recent National Review article related to the Tea Party, drug policy, and 10th Amendment principles. 
10)    Flashback:  In 2003 the Constitutional Law Professor, Robert Alt, asked the question, “Is Federalism Conservative?”  His answer can be found here.