Protecting the 10^th Amendment

The Tenth Amendment is put in place to identify the capacity of influence the federal government has upon the people of the United States. It specifies powers given to the federal government by the people, and leaves any other obligations to the state governments or to local governments, depending on the issue.  I will stand strong to defend the rights of the states to maintain their sovereignty. Furthermore, I will make sure that the federal government acts in the capacity it is supposed to: A government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

Over the years, this nation has seen the states power wane as federal funds are sent to states for “general welfare,” and yet have clauses and strings attached, giving the federal government enormous power over the states. These spending mandates, no matter how well intentioned, have created huge budgeting problems for states.  States have become dependent on federal dollars coming in, and compliance is often mandatory.  This perpetuates programs that certain states cannot afford to maintain, causing running deficits that are passed on to generations yet to come.

I will work to reverse the trends that have eroded the powers granted to the states specifically by the Bill of Rights. Every piece of legislation that comes across my desk will be in complete compliance with the Constitution. Moreover, states’ rights will be a central issue to me, as I work to protect the system our nation’s founders originally put into effect. Protecting state sovereignty keeps the federal government accountable to the people.