DesideriScuri
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ORIGINAL: thompsonx
Since when are the federalist papers part of the constitution?
The earlier post condems govt interference in the private poverty of the citizenry but this post says that it is the govt. job to interfer in the private poverty of the citizenry.
State govt is govt.
Federal govt. is govt.
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Since, um, never.
Then why quote it for validation?
Because there is no definition of the term within the Constitution?
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But, they were defenses of the US Constitution,
No they were not. The federalist papers were a series of letters to the editor pimping the new constitution and why we sould vote for it. The anti federalist papers were a series of letters countering the claims made in the federalist papers.
So, letters written so people would understand what was in the Constitution (and rebutting Anti-Federalist letters) aren't a defense of the Constitution? Perhaps I should have stated they are an explanation and a defense of the merits of the Constitution, but that's semantics.
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including reasoning behind what was written therein. If I asked you the definition of "general," would you go to the Constitution for that definition, or would you go to another source for that definition. There is no definition of "general" in the US Constitution, so you will have to get it elsewhere.
Is it possible that the founders had access to a dictionary and knew what general and welfare ment?
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Same goes for "welfare." Mind you, the definition of a word can change over time, but the original intent is what should matter, imo. Changing the authorities and reach of government simply by changing word definitions is not the way to amend the Constitution.
Is there any meaningful evidence that would indicate that the meaning of "promote the general welfare" has changed since 1789?
http://webstersdictionary1828.com/quote:
WELFARE, noun [well and fare, a good faring; G.]
1. Exemption from misfortune, sickness, calamity or evil; the enjoyment of health and the common blessings of life; prosperity; happiness; applied to persons.
2. Exemption from any unusual evil or calamity; the enjoyment of peace and prosperity, or the ordinary blessings of society and civil government; applied to states.
Since the phrase in the US Constitution is the "general Welfare of the United States," definition #2 would apply moreso than #1.
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GEN'ERAL, adjective [Latin generalis, from genus, a kind.]
1. Properly, relating to a whole genus or kind; and hence, relating to a whole class or order. Thus we speak of a general law of the animal or vegetable economy. This word, though from genus, kind, is used to express whatever is common to an order, class, kind, sort or species, or to any company or association of individuals.
2. Comprehending many species or individuals; not special or particular; as, it is not logical to draw a general inference or conclusion from a particular fact.
3. Lax in signification; not restrained or limited to a particular import; not specific; as a loose and general expression.
4. Public; common; relating to or comprehending the whole community; as the general interest or safety of a nation.
5. Common to many or the greatest number; as a general opinion; a general custom.
6. Not directed to a single object.
If the same thing be peculiarly evil, that general aversion will be turned into a particular hatred against it.
7. Having a relation to all; common to the whole. Adam, our general sire.
8. Extensive, though not universal; common; usual.
This word is prefixed or annexed to words, to express the extent of their application. Thus a general assembly is an assembly of a whole body, in fact or by representation. In Scotland, it is the whole church convened by its representatives. In America, a legislature is sometimes called a general assembly.
In logic, a general term is a term which is the sign of a general idea.
An attorney general and a solicitor general is an officer who conducts suits and prosecutions for the king or for a nation or state, and whose authority is general in the state or kingdom.
A vicar general has authority as vicar or substitute over a whole territory or jurisdiction.
An adjutant general assists the general of an army, distributes orders, receives returns, etc.
The word general thus annexed to a name of office, denotes chief or superior; as a commissary general quarter-master general
In the line, a general officer is one who commands an army, a division or a brigade.
Considering the use of the phrase "general welfare" has been taken to mean individual welfare of the citizens, it's obvious there has been a change in definition.
_____________________________
What I support:
- A Conservative interpretation of the US Constitution
- Personal Responsibility
- Help for the truly needy
- Limited Government
- Consumption Tax (non-profit charities and food exempt)
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