220 years ago, Congress passed the first of what would become known as the Alien and Sedition Acts. The government argued that these measure became necessary for national security. War with France seemed imminent and 25,000 French refugees came to America. When a group of French scientists wanted to visit the country, President Adams opposed …
My Country – Separation of Church and State As mentioned in the conversation on the Bible in school, Justice Potter Stewart examined lots of different recent Supreme Court decisions. Unlike Justice Stewart, Justice Douglas drew a hard line. He wanted a high and strong wall between church and state – especially in regards to education. …
My Country – A Religious Test for Public Office The Constitution provides that “no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification for any office or public trust under the United States.” But Justice Douglas notes that in 1776, many states had religious tests. Pre-Constitution Religious Test The Pennsylvania Constitution required each legislator to …
After several days of above normal temperatures, we hit the mid-thirties again. I had to put a coat on to play with the dog. Such a shame for January. My Country – Restrains on Populism, If Only Justice Douglas quotes James Madison in one of my favorite quotes, that the republican form of government emerged …