October 08, 2024

Lesson 9: Overcoming “Potomac Fever” and Restoring Constitutional Governance

4 minutes

Introduction

“Potomac Fever” refers to the obsession with federal power and the belief that all political solutions must come from Washington, D.C. This lesson explores the dangers of this mindset and emphasizes the importance of state sovereignty and the role of the states in preserving the Constitution and protecting individual liberties.

Key Concepts:

The Ultimate Sovereignty of the People:

The Constitution does not grant rights; it protects the rights that are inherent to the people.

The people, acting through their states, are the ultimate sovereigns in the Republic, and it is their responsibility to hold the federal government accountable to the Constitution.

The Misplaced Focus on Federal Power:

Many Americans, including self-described conservatives, have been conditioned to focus on the actions of the federal government and to seek solutions from federal officials, even though these officials often benefit from the expansion of federal power.

This misplaced focus leads to a neglect of state governments, which are the true protectors of liberty under the Constitution.

The Illusion of Federal Supremacy:

The federal government, with the help of the media, perpetuates the illusion that it is the supreme authority, overshadowing the role of the states.

The media, as the mouthpiece of the federal government, rarely covers state governments or acts of state nullification, reinforcing the perception that all power resides in Washington, D.C.

The Role of the Media in Promoting Federal Power:

The media promotes the federal government as the center of power, focusing extensively on federal elections, campaigns, and policies while ignoring state-level actions.

This constant media attention keeps the federal government at the forefront of the public’s mind, making it seem as though it is the only source of political authority.

The Consequences of “Potomac Fever”:

“Potomac Fever” causes citizens to overlook their own state governments and the power they hold to resist federal overreach.

This mindset leads to a gradual erosion of state sovereignty and an acceptance of federal dominance, even when it violates constitutional limits.

The Importance of State Sovereignty and Nullification:

To restore the balance of power intended by the Constitution, states must unashamedly assert their sovereignty by nullifying any federal acts that exceed the narrow limits of enumerated powers.

Such acts must be treated as null, void, and without any force or effect, in accordance with the principles outlined by Madison and Jefferson.

The Path to Constitutional Restoration:

Restoring the Republic requires consistent and courageous action by state governments to reject federal overreach.

Only through years of dedicated practice of state sovereignty and nullification can the Republic be restored to its constitutional foundations.

Conclusion

Overcoming “Potomac Fever” requires a shift in focus from Washington, D.C., back to the states, where the true power of the people resides. State governments must reclaim their constitutional authority and actively resist federal encroachments to protect the liberties of their citizens. By doing so, they can restore the balance of power and reestablish the Republic on the firm foundation of the Constitution.

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By The John Birch Society

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