Questions We Should Ask Of Our Leaders' Actions

“But we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it, away from the fog of controversy.”

--Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi

What follows is the beginning of a list of questions we need to ask about the actions (legislation, regulation, policies) of our national political leaders to determine whether or not they conform to the Constitution and support what is best for the People.

1. Does it enhance/protect our individual liberties, or detract from them?
2. Will it cost Americans more or less (through tax or inflation)?
3. Will it increase or reduce the size of the Federal government?
4. Is this something the States can do?  Is it something the States should do?
5. What if we did nothing?  (Why is this really necessary?)
6. Who benefits from this?  Who does not?  (esp. monetarily)
7. Is this essential for our national security without unnecessarily limiting our liberties?
8. Is there another way of achieving the desired end, especially a way that does not involve the Federal Government?
9. Does it make the government system more predictable or less predictable for people to plan their lives and run their businesses?
10. Is it selecting the ends for people, or assisting the people in the achievement of their own ends?
11. Does it allow for the arbitrary implementation of the law, or does it apply equally to all people?
12. Does it undermine the separation of powers as described in the Constitution?
13. Does it infringe on a person's right to life?
14. Does it infringe on a person's right to property?
15. Is it being done with the consent of the governed?
16. Is it being established as a "work-around" in order to violate the Constitution?

Disclaimer: These opinions are solely my own, and do not reflect the opinions or official positions of any United States Government agency, organization or department.