We Still Hold These Truths

Foreword By William J. Bennett

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James Madison - It would be absurd to say

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James Madison Speech in Congress

Categories: Congress / Legislature, Constitution, Constitutional Interpretation

Date: February 6, 1792

It would be absurd to say, first, that Congress may do what they please and then that they may do this or that particular thing. After giving Congress power to raise money, and apply it to all purposes which they may pronounce necessary to the "general welfare", it would be absurd, to say the least, to supersede a power to raise armies, to provide fleets, etc. In fact, the meaning of the general terms in question must either be sought in the subsequent enumerations which limits and details them, or they convert the Government from one limited as heretofore supposed, to the enumerated powers, into a Government without any limits at all.

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