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Focusing
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Constitutional Principles www.cacp.info – # 634 – 8-26-06 – 150 –
Donald Conkey Principle of Good Government # 19: “Only limited and carefully defined powers should be delegated to government, all others being retained in the people.” Excessive federal power was the greatest fear the Founders had as they crafted their new Constitution in 1787. This was the issue that prompted George Mason and two others not to sign the Constitution, thus creating America’s Bill of Rights, its first 10 Amendments, including Amendments IX and X which states those powers not delegated to the federal government are “reserved” to the states. Thus the states could curb excessive power by the federal government and the federal government could curb excessive power by the states. A strong check of excessive power. However the 17th Amendment destroyed this 'major check' system the states had over the Feds. Question: Was electing Senators by the people worth the loss of this powerful check on federal power? Source: Skousen’s 5000 Year Leap - p. 223 |
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The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislatures.
When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.
This amendment shall not be so construed as to affect the election or term of any Senator chosen before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution.
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