A "New York Times"-bestselling author reveals a trend that's sweeping America: nullification. More and more states are saying no to the bloated, ov...
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Sep 04, 2011
Kenny
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This is a wonderfully written book by Tom Woods about the history of nullification in the U.S. The process of "nullification", is when the states uphold the 10th Amendment, 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. Thus, a unconstitutional law is not a law at all and the State has every right to not comply with the Federal government.
Woods discusses parts More...
Woods discusses parts More...
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Jul 31, 2011
Is a federal government created by the states the only legitimate judge of it's own power? Is it a conflict of interest for the federal judiciary (i.e. the Supreme Court) to rule on the extent of the federal government's power when it conflicts with that of the states that made it? Is "States Rights" just an obscure rallying cry for wannabe rebels or was it an integral part of our founding, and a key component of the checks and balances designed to keep our federal government from bec
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Mar 07, 2011
Vladimir
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This books makes the argument that the united states is a compact between sovereign States, and State governments should nullify federal law exceeding the scope of the constitution by resisting enforcement.
Historically, I agree. My problem with the book is that the causation is backwards.
Nullification was an effect of the States being relatively powerful compared to the Federal government. The States were relatively powerful when the Federal government was new, poorly fu More...
Historically, I agree. My problem with the book is that the causation is backwards.
Nullification was an effect of the States being relatively powerful compared to the Federal government. The States were relatively powerful when the Federal government was new, poorly fu More...
Jul 28, 2010
John
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I picked this book up because I was interested in the topic but I expected a rather sophomoric and bombastic argument for nullification. I could not have been more wrong.
Woods brilliantly and persuasively argues in support of nullification and its effectiveness in combating a federal government that seeks constant accumulation of powers not expressly designated to it by the Constitution. In a beautiful accounting of the compact theory of union Woods argues that it is the duty of st More...
Woods brilliantly and persuasively argues in support of nullification and its effectiveness in combating a federal government that seeks constant accumulation of powers not expressly designated to it by the Constitution. In a beautiful accounting of the compact theory of union Woods argues that it is the duty of st More...
Jul 10, 2010
Brent
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I gave this book 5/5 stars not for the writing, but for the book's concept: a state's ability to declare an unconstitutional federal law null and void.
Woods cites as precedent the Kentucky Resolutions of 1798 and the Virginia Resolutions of 1799. These were issued by the state legislatures in response to President John Adams' Alien and Sedition Acts which, among other things, made it a crime to simply criticize the government.
Anyway, with that stage set, Woods expounds u More...
Woods cites as precedent the Kentucky Resolutions of 1798 and the Virginia Resolutions of 1799. These were issued by the state legislatures in response to President John Adams' Alien and Sedition Acts which, among other things, made it a crime to simply criticize the government.
Anyway, with that stage set, Woods expounds u More...
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May 19, 2011
Darryl
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I have been “fan” of Tom Woods since I first read The Politically Incorrect Guide to American History. Since reading that book a few years ago, I’ve read more of Tom’s books; Who Killed the Constitution and Meltdown. I’ve had the chance to meet Tom, even having an interesting dinner with him, Adam Kokesh, Michael Maresco and about a dozen other active members of the “Freedom Movement.” Tom being the nice guy that he is, even contributed to a book I co-wrote and edited as a tribute to the Ron Pau
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Jul 31, 2010
Laura
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First, the cover art is a horrible choice and a great disservice to the content within. This book is not a partisan, petulant, whining attack of one political party against another. Instead, you can expect a clear, well-documented overview of aspects of governance in America, particularly:
*A defense of the 9th and 10th Amendments of the constitution
*A questioning look at what happens when there is a dispute between a state government and the federal government over distributio More...
*A defense of the 9th and 10th Amendments of the constitution
*A questioning look at what happens when there is a dispute between a state government and the federal government over distributio More...
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Sep 20, 2010
Bill
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Most people think a contested law makes its way through our court system, then, if necessary, goes to the Supreme Court for a final decision regarding the law's legality. But that's not the end of the process as envisioned by our Founders. Each individual state may declare a particular law unconstitutional and then refuse to adhere to that law. Read this fascinating book about the process known as nullification. You probably won't learn any of this in school because, as the author points out
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Sep 23, 2010
Nathan
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An excellent case for a controversial and misunderstood legal tactic. Nealy half of the book is appendix and footnotes. The book made me wish I had any faith that this cause would be taken up. As with most libertarian ideas, I expect it to be marginalized and ignored.
Thomas Woods is that rare author that presents otherwise dry esoteric material in an engaging and entertaining style.
Thomas Woods is that rare author that presents otherwise dry esoteric material in an engaging and entertaining style.
Sep 26, 2010
David
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Great to have the argument for nullification so cogently presented, as well as the historical documents defending it as the second part of the volume. Very well synthesized by Dr. Woods; stayed well focused on topic, but also presented a few insights into libertarian natural rights and non-aggression philosophy.
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Sep 07, 2010
John
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Very timely book on the principles by which states can nullify unconstitutional acts by the federal government, and why the Supreme Court should not be the arbiter of last resort. Includes text of the important documents expressing these principles or explaining them to the opposition.
Nov 09, 2010
Travis
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This book is filled with evidence of how the framers of the Constitution "intended" for the federal government to be weak, and the states to have the power. Ok, I get it! Were way off the path that was laid out by the founding fathers. I'm a constitutional conservative, but the question that goes unanswered, and is perhaps uninsurable is "what is so special about those men that the constructed th best possible form of government?"
Apr 17, 2011
Brian
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Good primer for those unfamiliar with the subject. I wish the book would have been identified as such before I bought it. Most of the book is an extremely boring read and entire chapters are verbatim reproductions of 18th/19th century "legalese."
If you've never heard of the Kentucky/Virginia resolutions and still think the Civil War was fought to free the slaves then I would highly recommend this book. Hardcore, well-versed libertarians shouldn't waste their time.
If you've never heard of the Kentucky/Virginia resolutions and still think the Civil War was fought to free the slaves then I would highly recommend this book. Hardcore, well-versed libertarians shouldn't waste their time.
Jan 07, 2012
Dave
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Once again, Woods delivers! This book was very well thought out and the arguments very persuasive. Woods quotes the framers of the constitution, among other to make the case for nullification. He explains that the ideas of nullification were very much in the mainstream in early America, and makes the case that these ideas are a useful defense against an overreaching federal government in modern times.
Apr 09, 2011
Ethan
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I really enjoyed this book and there are a number of quotes from the various sources cited that I need to go back and copy down. Fantastic book and one with wich everyone should be familiar. And it is surprisingly engaging; not dry at all (in my opinion).
Apr 29, 2011
Wil
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Dr. Woods makes a strong historical case for the duty of state legislatures to nullify federal laws which they feel are unconstitutional. He also shows the Federal government derives its power from the states.
May 06, 2011
Mike
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This book should be sent to every single member of every state legislature. If you were unfamiliar with nullification before, you'll be an expert after reading this one.
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Oct 05, 2011
Kohei
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this 2 star review is mainly due to the fact I listened to this with audible. I don't think audible + non-fiction is a good idea.
Jan 02, 2011
Naomi
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Great read, very important information, but prepare yourself for an incredibly dry,dry read!
Feb 10, 2012
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