U.S. Constitution Archives | American Democracy Minute

The Constitution’s Foreign Emoluments Clause was Intended to Stop Bribery and Corruption. Recently, Not So Much.

November 26, 2024November 26, 2024

The framers of the U.S. Constitution included the Foreign Emoluments Clause because they feared the influence, corruption and bribery they witnessed in Europe’s monarchies. Why should Americans care about it?

Would the Founding Fathers Have Embraced Having Unfettered Power for the Presidency? Not Likely.

July 3, 2024July 3, 2024

Anti-authoritarian feelings ran high in the years before and after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, as the Declaration’s litany of complaints against the King suggests. So it’s unlikely the founding fathers would have supported expansion of Presidential powers, and absolute immunity for “official acts.”

Colorado Supreme Court Rules Trump was a “Officer of the United States” Participating in Insurrection, and Bars Him from the State’s Ballot. A SCOTUS Challenge is Likely.

December 20, 2023December 21, 2023

We’ve been keeping you updated on attempts to bar former President Donald Trump from 2024 state ballots. A ruling in the Colorado Supreme Court December 19th found that as President he WAS an “officer of the United States,” and DID participate in an insurrection against the Constitution.

Colorado, Minnesota & Michigan Courts Consider “Insurrection Act” Cases Attempting to Keep Trump Off the Ballot

October 31, 2023December 28, 2023

A trial opened Monday in a Denver, Colorado courtroom to determine whether former President Donald Trump should be excluded from the 2024 Colorado ballot. Similar cases are pending in Minnesota and Michigan.

Pardon Me: Can a U.S. President Pardon Him or Herself? The Question Will Likely End Up in the U.S. Supreme Court.

August 27, 2023December 30, 2023

Last week, we discussed the President’s broad powers and some limitations to issue a pardon. But can a U.S. President pardon him or herself?