Federalist No. 60 continues the discussion of the federal government regulating its own elections, this time addressing specific dangers of the national government having this power.

Publius takes each perceived danger and dissects it, asking rhetorically who would be favored by the federal government if the government were to favor a certain class of citizens through regulation of elections.  He surmises that the country is diverse enough that every group will be represented and this is not a danger.

He further points out that the Congress is only empowered to regulate the time, place and manner of elections, not who can vote.  Qualifications to vote are fixed in the Constitution, “and are unalterable by the legislature.”

How blessed we are as a Nation that our right to vote is protected in stone, in the U.S. Constitution.  We forget what uncertainty many around the world face when it comes to elections, and their right to participate.

As echoed in most of the Federalist Papers, Publius ends by reminding citizens of their role in protecting the U.S Constitution and their God given rights, citing the public as the ultimate check against tyranny of the government:

“Would they not fear that citizens, not less tenacious than conscious of their rights, would flock from the remote extremes of their respective States to the places of election, to overthrow their tyrants, and to substitute men who would be disposed to avenge the violated majesty of the people?”

What a beautiful system of checks and balances our founding fathers constructed, delicately balancing and protecting our liberty!

On to Federalist No.61!

Good night and God Bless,

Cathy Gillespie

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

 

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