DON WILSON ON THE COMPACT AND WHIGGISM

AENN

Don Wilson explains the "compact" that exists between a state and the federal government and the importance of the Whiggs.

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From Shepard AI

The U.S. Constitution, when interpreted through an originalist and traditionalist lens, reflects biblical principles in its foundational structure, particularly in its protection of life, liberty, and property. These unalienable rights are derived from the Law of Nature and Nature's God, as articulated in the Declaration of Independence, which acknowledges the Creator as the source of these rights (Genesis 1:27, 9:6). The Constitution's framework presupposes a moral order rooted in biblical law, even if not explicitly citing Scripture.

Key constitutional provisions with biblical underpinnings include:

1. The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments (Due Process) – These protect life, liberty, and property, aligning with the biblical prohibition against murder (Exodus 20:13) and theft (Exodus 20:15). The due process clause ensures lawful judgment, reflecting Deuteronomy 19:15-21’s requirement for just legal proceedings.

2. The First Amendment (Religious Liberty) – The free exercise clause safeguards the biblical mandate to worship God alone (Exodus 20:3-6), while prohibiting state establishment of religion, preventing the corruption of faith by civil coercion (Matthew 22:21).

3. The Tenth Amendment (Federalism) – Reserving undelegated powers to the states or the people reflects the biblical principle of decentralized authority (Exodus 18:21-22) and limits centralized tyranny.

4. The Sixth Amendment (Fair Trial) – Guarantees impartial justice, echoing Deuteronomy 16:18-20’s command for righteous judgment.

The Constitution’s original intent presupposed a society governed by natural law, which is inseparable from biblical morality (Romans 2:14-15). Its structure—separation of powers, checks and balances—mirrors the biblical warning against concentrated power (Proverbs 29:4). While the Constitution is not a theological document, its architects, steeped in Reformed and common-law traditions, crafted a system that implicitly upholds God’s ordained order for civil government (Romans 13:1-4).

For further study, consult Black’s Law Dictionary on terms like "unalienable rights" and "due process," and landmark cases like Dobbs v. Jackson (2022), which restored constitutional fidelity to the states’ role in protecting life.

Whiggism

Whiggism or Whiggery is a political philosophy that grew out of the Parliamentarian faction in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms (1639–1653) and was concretely formulated by Lord Shaftesbury during the Stuart Restoration. The Whigs advocated the supremacy of Parliament (as opposed to that of the king), government centralisation, and coercive Anglicisation through the educational system. They also staunchly opposed granting freedom of religion, civil rights, or voting rights to anyone who worshipped outside of the Established Churches of the realm. Eventually, the Whigs grudgingly conceded strictly limited religious toleration for Protestant dissenters, while continuing the religious persecution and disenfranchisement of Roman Catholics and Scottish Episcopalians. They were particularly determined to prevent the ascension of a Catholic heir presumptive to the British throne, especially of James II or his legitimate male descendants and instead granted the throne to the Protestant House of Hanover in 1714. Whig ideology is associated with early conservative liberalism.