Show Notes

In this episode, Jason goes into great detail about the spending problem facing America and the clause in the Constitution that is being used to justify it. He goes into specific detail about the original intent of the general welfare clause and how the Framers made clear that it does not mean what the enemies of liberty claim it means.

• Full slides from “General Welfare & Federal Spending” presentation.
• U.S. Constitution, Preamble

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” (Emphasis added)

• U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 8, Clause 1

“The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;” (Emphasis added)

• Articles of Confederation, Article III

“…the said States hereby severally enter into a firm league of friendship with each other, for their common defense, the security of their liberties, and their mutual and general welfare.“ (Empasis Added)

• Jason’s article “On General Welfare”
• Records of the Federal Convention (see vol 1, vol 2, vol 3).
• Congress.gov