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Week. For each thread, students must support their assertions with at least 2 scholarly citations

in APA format. Each reply must incorporate at least 2 scholarly citation(s) in APA format. Any

sources cited must have been published within the last 5 years. Acceptable sources include the

textbook, scholarly journals, online articles from academic institutions or organization and the

Bible).

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Feb 7 3:10pm

Reply from Robert George

Property and Constitutional Government

The pillars posed by the discussion question play a significant part in restraining government power and protecting one’s rights, especially property rights. Self-government is the idea that power comes from the people, not the government. Through elections, one gets to choose one’s representatives, which means one has a say in how one is governed. This representation helps prevent potential government overreach, because voters can vote out those who fail to protect citizens’ rights.

Through a representative government, elected officials act on the voters’ behalf through delegated authority, making it difficult for any single branch of government to impose its will without considering the people’s interests. By representing the voters’ will, elected officials help ensure that our property and individual rights are upheld.

Under a limited government, the Constitution lays out the government’s powers. This limitation is essential for protecting against high-handed actions that could overstep one’s rights, including property rights. With the separation of powers, limited government helps preserve freedom and prevent the potential for corruption or abuse of power through the rule of law. The Constitution recognizes one’s right to own and control property through the Fifth Amendment, which is designed to protect someone from having property taken without fair compensation and due process.

Furthermore, Madison argued that one’s conscience is fundamental to freedom, and to live according to one’s own beliefs without government interference. In Federalist No. 51, Madison describes the need for checks and balances in government. He reasons that a separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches is critical and that this system guarantees that no one branch can overpower the others, which ultimately protects liberties.

However, even with these protections, we see examples of government overreach in practice, specifically in the areas of security and privacy. In this example, the author Nandy (2023) discusses how developing technologies in surveillance through artificial intelligence, facial, and biometric technologies has brought into question ethical and privacy considerations that potentially intrude on liberties. However, with judicial oversight in place, government entities can demonstrate transparency and responsibility when using such technologies.

In another example, Repucci & Slipowitz (2021) discuss how governments used Covid-19 to gain greater control over their citizenry through disinformation, surveillance, restrictions on movement and assembly, and government crackdowns. Other governments limited government action, held new elections, and questioned the legitimacy of illegitimate governments and their actions.

Romans 13:1-4 (New King James Version, 1982) reads, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.” This verse clarifies that authority comes from God and must be exercised in a way that pleases God; otherwise, there will be judgment for the evil actions. In this context, governments must act in their people’s best interests.

In conclusion, people hold the power. Although governments may act in ways that are not beneficial to their constituents, there are checks and balances that allow people to vote in new representatives at all levels of government. So, when the will of the people does not align with the representative, the populace can replace those individuals who align more with what the populace wants.

References

Nandy, D. (2023). Human rights in the era of surveillance: Balancing security and privacy concerns. Journal of Current Social and Political Issues, 1(1), 1317.

New King James Bible. (2026). Thomas Nelson. (Original work published 1982)

Repucci, S., & Slipowitz, A. (2021). Democracy in a year of crisis. Journal of Democracy, 32(2), 45-60.

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Feb 5 11:31am

| Last reply Feb 8 5:30pm

Reply from Sarah Smith

Property and Constitutional Government

The pillars of Constitutional Liberty, as mentioned above, are self-government, private property, representative government and limited government. These components all work together to prohibit the government from having too much power and overextending their hand. Self-government allows for citizens to participate in politics and decision-making. They have direct or indirect influence. Representative government ensures that elected officials, those we vote in, have more power in actual decisions than the common-man does. These elected officials are ultimately held accountable by the people who voted them in. Limited government, expressed through our written Constitution, outlines what the government can and cannot do. Meaning, they have power, but can only do so much with it. Lastly, private property protects arbitrary seizure of their labor, possessions, and even their beliefs.

The Constitution restrains government through both separation of powers and federalism. This authority is then divided between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. All branches are equal; none can overtake another. Federalism divides power between the government and the states. James Madison argued that the most sacred property was the conscience. We have a right to hold and act upon our moral and religious beliefs without coercion. This is our freedom; to act on our beliefs as we please. This is what makes America so unique from other countries. The government cannot interfere on this ideal due to the First Amendment. Only our heavenly Father knows how long this Constitutional protection will work in the future, but for now, we have religious freedom.

Despite Constitutional safeguards, the government can most definitely overstep when it comes to property rights. An example of this is eminent domain abuse. This term comes from the Latin term, “Eminenes Dominium” (2026). Governments often expand the definition of “public use” to justify transferring your private property to their private entities. This is ultimately used for economic development.

Another example is the expansion of executive power during emergencies. Temporary measures become permanent and bypass legislative oversight of the matter. The LegalClarity Team state, “This phenomenon results from a complex interplay of the executive branchs structure, legislative actions, judicial interpretations, and societal expectations” (2025).

To restrain government oversteps, we must enforce Constitutional mechanisms. Courts must play critical roles in reviewing government actions and ultimately deciding these actions are unconstitutional and unlawful. As citizens, we must also stay informed and engaged. This is essential. We stay engaged through elections, civic participation, and public accountability. Constitutional liberty does not depend on the government or its written limits, it is dependent on citizens keeping the government accountable and respecting these laws.

References

(2026). History of Eminent Domain and its Abuse. Institute for Justice.

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(2025). Why Do Presidential Powers Tend to Grow During National Emergencies? LegalClarity.

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