[society-by-contract]

I use to argue for a limited state, cite the tenth amendment and talk about the enumerated powers in article one section eight in the US constitution. However, I came to realize that no constitution, no matter how tightly written can stop the growth of the state beyond its delegated powers. The state (the judiciary) defines its own powers--kind of like your kids defining their own bedtimes. My intellectual journey has taken me from advocacy of a limited state to advocacy of no state. My question for members of the FreeRepublic is this:

How does a society limit the state in light of the fact that constitutions do not seem to work?

[exmarine]

How does a society limit the state in light of the fact that constitutions do not seem to work?

It's called morality and virtue. And that is what is lacking today. John Adams said our Constitution was "written for a moral and religious people and is inadequate for the govt of any other." They were also clear about the source of morality - RELIGION. Namely, the Christian religion. Only in Christ is there freedom. Freedom came out of the Christian worldview post-reformation. Before then, there was no true freedom or self-government. Self-government? What's that? Federalism is dead - long live King Federal Govt!

[Travis McGee]

Eventually by Rule 308, as foreseen by Thomas Jefferson among many others of our founding fathers.

[God is good]

How does a society limit the state in light of the fact that constitutions do not seem to work?

One of two ways in my opinion: pray or fight. The nation will turn by either an act of God or an act of violence (violence either from an internal revolt or an external takeover). I pray that the nation's morality will change before the latter occurs. A nation that does not respect its own rule of law(the Constitution) or its own sovereignty (not the U.N.) is headed straight for destruction and war of some kind or another.

[seowulf]

My intellectual journey has taken me from advocacy of a limited state to advocacy of no state.

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I've had a similar journey to yours, although I see problems with any oranization of society I can imagine.

Human society is somewhat like running Windows software. If you run it long enough, you will get a blue screen or the system will lock up and you have to hit the reset button. Human beings are just too lazy to keep any form of government going forever. It is simply not human nature to be vigilant. Nothing lasts forever and neither will our current Constitutional Republic. However, as long as there are a few members of the society who can "set brush fires in people's minds" there will be a way to hit that reset button.

"It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds.."
--Samuel Adams