"If it be asked what is to be the consequence, in case the Congress shall misconstrue this part of the Constitution, and exercise powers not warranted by its true meaning, I answer, the same as if they should misconstrue or enlarge any other power vested in them; as if the general power had been reduced to particulars, and any one of these were to be violated; the same, in short, as if the State legislatures should violate their respective constitutional authorities. In the first instance, the success of the usurpation will depend on the executive and judiciary departments, which are to expound and give effect to the legislative acts; and in the last resort a remedy must be obtained from the people who can, by the election of more faithful representatives, annul the acts of the usurpers."
by:
James Madison
(1751-1836), Father of the Constitution for the USA, 4th US President
Source:
THE FEDERALIST No. 44
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Reader comments about this quote:
I am afraid the usurpation has crossed all lines, including the ballot. The Executive acts without Constitutional authority, the Legislative passes laws for which there is no power granted to do so, the Judicial branch is purely partisan and hasn't struck down any of the worst unconstitional acts brought before them, and the process of election has been so perverted by party monopoly and perhaps even voter fraud, that Americans have no more 'faithful representatives' to guard their rights and property from the acts of the usurpers.
 -- E Archer, NYC     
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    Well said Archer.
     -- J Carlton, Calgary     
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    Chicago politics have gone national.
     -- warren, olathe     
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     -- Mike, Norwalk      
    I think James Madison would be shocked at the current state of these States. All around us the laws are being broken, the constitution trampled, while our officials look the other way.
     -- Anne, 64134     
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    Mr. Archer, your assessment is on-target, however you overlooked the fact that after all the above, our courts are complicit, at best they look the other way.
     -- Anne, 64134     
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    The current usurpations have been brought on by political parties and the complacency of the American People. Most of us don't even vote. We all love the blessings of liberty, but too many of us are not willing to accept the responsibility that comes with that freedom, DEFENDING IT. If We the People don't defend our own liberty, no one will.
     -- Publius     
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     -- Ronw13, Oregon      
     -- jim k, Austin      
     
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