The previous essay explained that the Constitution is fundamentally a document granting enumerated (listed) powers. Like all such documents, the powers it grants are limited.
These limits are one of the Constitution’s most important features. And they have been targets of a hostile propaganda campaign for many decades.
“Progressive” commentators in politics, academia, and the media claim that limits on the federal government’s authority impede creative and effective solutions to social problems. They’ve enlisted many issues to promote their cause: “We can end poverty only through bold federal initiatives!”
“To save the planet, we need more federal regulation!”
“The path to college affordability is for the federal government to pay full tuition!”
“The way to jump-start the economy is through massive federal stimulus spending!” Other issues on the list have included civil rights, consumer protection, inequality, K–12 education, climate change, racism, and “crumbling infrastructure.” Whatever the malady, the prescription—federal action beyond what the Constitution authorizes—is always the same….