by William Banks

Created on: November 17, 2009

Amendment 10 - Powers of the States and People. Ratified 12/15/1791

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

I think that pretty much sums it up. Not only do the Feds lack the Constitutional authority to trump state law. They are clearly in violation of the Constitution and should be held accountable.

The FBI, DEA, ATF, and many other federal agencies have for a long time now, disregarded the tenth amendment to the US Constitution. So if the Feds decide not to follow the law, does that make the law invalid? Well, contrary to what those in power might say or think, no. The Federal Government has no more right to come into California and enslave it's citizens and steal private property. Than a private citizen has right to do that to his neighbor.

I think it's time to look at this realistically. Long ago the powers that be, felt it necessary to develop a central government to represent the many states. The US Constitution was drafted as a kind of contract between the many states and the government. It clearly states what the Federal Government's role is and clearly limits the power they are to have. Since there is no mention of marijuana in the US Constitution, I don't see how the issue of legality could possibly be the responsibility of federal agents.

Section 4 - Republican government

The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.

This section is also important. I believe this section of our contract has been overlooked for too long. In the state of California, the protection of a Constitutional Republic has failed. This state has , for as long as I have been alive, used a purely democratic system to legislate certain laws.

CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE 2 VOTING, INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM, AND RECALL SECTION 1. All political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for their protection, security, and benefit, and they have the right to alter or reform it when the public good may require.

This statement is clearly at odds with what is supposed to be our protected form of government. The Founding Father's knew the dangers that exist in a democracy. They knew the possibility for the majority to oppress

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