George Mason calls for state amendments to limit federal government power

In a recent meeting of the Kansas House Committee on Federal and State Affairs, discussions centered on the historical context and contemporary implications of Article V of the U.S. Constitution, particularly regarding states' rights to propose amendments. The conversation was sparked by a reference to George Mason, a Founding Father who argued that states should have the power to propose amendments to curb federal overreach. This historical perspective was used to frame current concerns about federal authority and the growing influence of unelected bureaucrats.

The committee highlighted that there have been 450 applications for a convention of states on various topics, yet none have reached the necessary threshold of 34 states to convene. This raises questions about whether the federal government is indeed abusing its power, as Mason predicted. The speaker pointed to the disproportionate amount of laws created by federal agencies compared to those passed by elected representatives, suggesting a lack of accountability in the current system.

A significant point of discussion was the alarming national debt, which has reached $36 trillion and continues to grow. The speaker emphasized that the Founders intended for state legislatures to have the authority to rein in federal spending and ensure accountability. The analogy of raising children without discipline was used to illustrate the consequences of allowing the federal government to operate without checks.

Concerns were also raised about the potential for a convention to spiral out of control, a fear that the speaker dismissed as unfounded, citing historical precedents. The meeting concluded with a call to action for state legislators to embrace their constitutional responsibilities and take steps to impose necessary discipline on the federal government.

As the committee continues to explore these issues, the implications for state-federal relations and the balance of power remain critical topics for Kansas and the nation. The discussions reflect a growing sentiment among some lawmakers that proactive measures are needed to address perceived federal overreach and ensure that government remains accountable to the people.