The 19th Principle: Understanding Limited Government in “The 5000 Year Leap”
In W. Cleon Skousen’s influential book, “The 5000 Year Leap: A Miracle That Changed the World,” the 19th principle asserts that “only limited and carefully defined powers should be delegated to government, all others being retained in the people.” This principle underpins the philosophy of limited government, which is central to the American experiment in democracy and constitutional governance. Here, we delve into the rationale behind this principle, its implications, and its historical context, with sourcing references from Skousen’s work and related discussions.
The Foundation of Limited Government
Skousen elaborates that the Founding Fathers of the United States were deeply committed to the idea that government should have only those powers explicitly given to it, with all residual powers being kept by the people or the states. This philosophy is rooted in the fear of an overreaching government, which could evolve into tyranny if not bound by strict limitations. He points to the U.S. Constitution, where powers are enumerated, and the Tenth Amendment explicitly states that 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.
Historical Context and Intent
The principle stems from the Enlightenment era’s distrust of absolute power and the experiences of the American colonies under British rule. The founders, having witnessed the arbitrary powers of a monarchy, sought to prevent such concentration of authority in a new government. They believed that the natural state of man is liberty, and as James Madison noted in Federalist No. 45, the powers of the federal government are “few and defined,” while those of the states are “numerous and indefinite.”
Philosophical and Practical Implications
Philosophically, this principle is tied to the concept of Natural Law, where individual rights are inherent and not granted by government but protected by it. Practically, limiting government power was meant to encourage local governance and personal responsibility, fostering an environment where individual initiative could flourish without excessive governmental interference.
Skousen argues that this limitation on government promotes efficiency and dispatch in governance while also ensuring that the rights of minorities are protected through constitutional safeguards. This balance is crucial for a republic to maintain both the rule of the majority and the protection of individual liberties.
Modern Relevance
The debate over the scope of government power remains relevant today. Critics of expansive government argue that each additional power undermines personal freedom and leads to inefficiency. Supporters of broader governmental roles might argue for the necessity of such expansions to address modern complexities like economic disparity, healthcare, and environmental protection, which were not foreseen by the framers.
Skousen’s work has been praised for rekindling interest in these foundational principles, particularly among those advocating for a return to limited government as a means to preserve American liberties. However, his interpretations have also been critiqued for potentially oversimplifying historical complexities and for their alignment with modern conservative political ideologies.
Conclusion
The 19th principle from “The 5000 Year Leap” by W. Cleon Skousen serves as a reminder of the original intent behind the U.S. government’s structure — to be of the people, by the people, and for the people, with power carefully balanced to maintain freedom while providing for common defense and general welfare. Understanding this principle not only illuminates the philosophical underpinnings of American governance but also fuels ongoing debates about the role of government in society.
This principle underscores the delicate balance between empowering government to act where necessary and ensuring that such empowerment does not erode the freedoms it is meant to protect.
References:
- Skousen, W. Cleon. “The 5000 Year Leap: A Miracle That Changed The World.” National Center for Constitutional Studies, 1981.