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by Michael Peroutka, The Institute on the Constitution

The federal government of these United States operates under the authority granted to it by the various States, pursuant to the Constitution. The federal government was created by the original thirteen States, and is the servant of the States and the people of the States. It is not their master.

It has no authority except that which is delegated to it by the Constitution.

The States saw fit to delegate some limited powers and to assign some duties to the federal government. But most everything the federal government does today violates the limits of its authority. Almost everything demanded or commanded by federal agencies is not lawful and has no validity.

Interestingly, our founders foresaw this development. They believed that, if the federal government violated its authority, the States themselves would step in to protect their people. James Madison said: “We can safely rely on State Legislatures to erect barriers against the encroachments of national authority.”

So the States and their subdivisions are charged with the constitutional duty of keeping the feds where they belong.

States, counties, cities and all local government officials must understand that their oath of office (sworn before God) requires them to fulfill their obligation to the people, to protect them from pretended federal legislation. The fact that federal officials violate the Constitution puts no obligation on local authorities, or anyone else, to go along with their treachery.

All local officials, including mayors, police, sheriffs, peace officers and prosecutors, must resist federal authorities when they act lawlessly. They should not attempt to enforce federal “pretended legislation.” Their duty is to keep their word and interpose on behalf of the people.