Episode Details

James Madison called it absurd to say Congress may do whatever it wants under the general Welfare clause. But that’s exactly how politicians treat it today – as a blank check for nearly unlimited power. In this episode, you’ll learn the original meaning of the clause, as understood when the Constitution was ratified. You’ll also hear warnings from Madison and Thomas Jefferson about what would happen if that meaning was ignored – and how their predictions match the government we live under today.

Path to Liberty: April 9, 2025

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Show Archives

Constitution for the United States

Rob Natelson – The General Welfare Clause and the Public Trust: An Essay in Original Understanding

James Madison – Letter to James Robertson, Jr (20 Apr 1831)

Thomas Jefferson – Letter to Albert Gallatin (before 6 June 1817)

James Madison – Federalist 41 (19 Jan 1788)

Thomas Jefferson – Opinion on the Constitutionality of the National Bank (15 Feb 1791)

James Madison – Speech in the House of Representatives (6 Feb 1792)

James Madison – Letter to Edmund Pendleton (21 Jan 1792)

James Madison – Speech on the Bank Bill (2 Feb 1791)

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