For those joining the conversation mid-stream, this is the third in a series of posts introducing some themes of “The Constitution: An Introduction,” my new book co-authored with my son, Luke Paulsen.

Historical amnesia is as dangerously disorienting for a nation as for an individual. So it is with the current wave of enthusiasm for “states’ rights,” “interposition,” and “nullification”—the claim ...

In the early 19th century, Thomas Jefferson’s doctrines of nullification and interposition were used quite often. Most Americans will shake their heads and say, “Never heard of this,” but a brief look ...

Thomas Jefferson explained states’ rights under the Constitution in his Kentucky Resolutions of 1789. These resolutions placed, into the toolbox of states’ rights, two powerful doctrines: ...

A number of states, including Missouri, Kansas, and Alaska either have passed or are considering state laws intended to invalidate federal statutes, most notably, federal gun laws. Many have modeled ...

MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Sen. Dick Brewbaker cringed when he was asked if his opposition to so-called Common Core Standards for schools represents an example of what some have called a new wave of ...

“Nullification” has become an objectionable word. It hearkens back to Martin Luther King’s description of George Wallace’s lips that were “dripping with the words of interposition and nullification.” ...

Texas Gov. Rick Perry talks about seceding from the Union, and he is echoed by Sarah Palin – to the cheers of adoring crowds. Texas gubernatorial candidate Deborah Medina, going even further than even ...

"The Constitution: An Introduction" was published this month by Basic Books. For those joining the conversation mid-stream, this is the third in a series of posts introducing some themes of "The ...