State of the Nullification Movement 2023: Tenth Amendment Center Annual Report

Taking on the biggest and most powerful government in history may seem like an impossible task.It isn’t.That’s not to say that it’s going to be easy.As Thomas Jefferson said, “We are not to expect to be translated from despotism to liberty, in a feather-bed.” He was right. There is no silver bullet.But if we follow the wisdom and advice of the founders and old revolutionaries - who took a stand against what was then the largest government in history - we can enforce the Constitution and regain liberty - without waiting for government to limit its own power.So, how can we do this?That’s what this report is all about.In the first section, we highlight some of the most common strategies people use to defend the Constitution and protect liberty today - and why they fail.Then you will learn about a path to liberty that actually works: Nullification.We start with some philosophies and principles taught by the founders and old revolutionaries, including the philosophy and constitutional justification behind nullification through two important resolutions penned by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.But of course, philosophy alone won’t change anything. It ultimately requires human action. And when it comes to keeping a government in check, a lot of it, too.So, with a strong philosophical and strategic foundation in place, we highlight successful human action through historical nullification movements taking on British overreach prior to the American Revolution, countering fugitive slave rendition prior to the Civil War, resisting alcohol prohibition in the 20th century, and more.From this, a broad-based strategic blueprint becomes pretty clear.But an important question remains: how do we apply the strategy today?As you’ll learn, James Madison provided a practical blueprint for resisting unconstitutional, or even unpopular, federal actions in Federalist #46. We’ll explain how it works and why it is effective.Finally, you will learn how this nullification strategy is being applied today to a wide range of issues.Some of them might surprise you.For instance, you’ll see how states, localities and individuals have nullified federal prohibition schemes in practice and effect. And we’re not just talking about marijuana prohibition. States have taken action to stop other forms of prohibition as well, including federal gun control, federal bans on raw milk and CBD, and even the right to try experimental treatments despite FDA rules prohibiting them, and more.States have also taken on the ever-expanding surveillance state. You’ll learn how one state took multiple steps over a period of several years to protect privacy at the state level, and undermine federal spying at the same time.Similarly, states have taken steps to push back against federal control and influence over local police by opting out of federal militarization and asset forfeiture programs.And as you’ll see, we can even use this nullification strategy to address issues that seem purely “national” on the surface.For instance, you’ll learn how state, local and individual action is being used to take on the Federal Reserve’s monopoly on money, and potentially undermine the introduction of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).We’ll even explain how states can help put a stop to endless wars by limiting unconstitutional National Guard deployments.As you read through the report, you’ll learn about successes, setbacks, and even some failures. But it should become clear that this blueprint does indeed reveal a real path to liberty.The fight will be long and difficult. But using the strategies outlined in this report, we can be successful.As Thomas Paine put it, “The strength and powers of despotism consist wholly in the fear of resisting it.” Read more