Oklahoma Candidate Questionnaire Responses - 2024

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We at Constitutional Grounds wish to thank the candidates who responded and everyone who studies their answers. Your concern for the rule of law is encouraging. We fully acknowledge that public concern for proper constitutional principles has not been strong, taught, or promoted for generations. We appreciate those who endeavor to restore it. 
We continually say that supporting, obeying, and defending the US and OK Constitutions is key. It is paramount to the Oath of Office and performance of governmental duties. We encourage all readers to examine the answers and see the differences, the different takes on the questions, as well as who has a grasp of the various issues. We also encourage you to reach out to us with your comments.
This year we did not send all the invitation emails that we did two years ago. Therefore, our response was dismal. None-the-less, we appreciate the candidates who did respond. Some candidates who are running now filled out our questionnaire then. We have both pages published, so look to see if your district's candidates have ever expressed an interest to be lawful in the office they pursue. The first survey results may be found here.
There is much work to do among We the People to restore the spirit of Liberty, Law and Justice espoused by our founders.
Public discussion is necessary regarding each of the issues questioned. Please note the wide variance in answers at times (e.g. licensing). The fact that there is such difference of opinion highlights the need for open discussion on basic civics.

Quick Links

Constitutional Grounds Answers

Federal Races
None

Oklahoma State Races
Oklahoma Senate
Tim Brooks - District 33

Oklahoma House of Representatives
Jennifer Stevens - District 79

County Races
None

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Oklahoma State Senate

TIM	BROOKS	Republican
DISTRICT NO. 33	STATE SENATE	Tulsa County
Question	Answer	Constitutional Support
1. Is the US Constitution a binding legal document, or strictly an historic one?	Both	The Preamble
2. Will you propose, support, vote for, or enforce a bill or law which is constitutionally improper?	No	In addition, I will work to remove such "laws."
3. Must citizens obey unconstitutional laws?	No	No
4. Does any government in the US have the lawful authority to require licenses?	None	A “license” is permission granted by a qualified authority permitting a licensee to do something that would otherwise be prohibited. This makes the grantor owner of all things licensed, and that ownership is not granted to the Federal or state governments.
5. Are unborn children entitled to the same protections as those already born?	Yes, from conception	Amendment 14: nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
6. Are non-legislative branches of government authorized to make rules that are binding in the same manner as laws?	Yes	Article 1, Section. 1. All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.
7. Is any government authorized to issue mandates, edicts, or dictates? (e.g.: natural disaster evacuation orders, vaccine mandates, mask mandates)	No	No, only to issue laws.
8. Which of the following are lawful acts of government? Choose as many as apply. ☐Prohibition of sodas over a certain size ☐ Prohibition of drugs ☐ Prohibition of speech ☐ Prohibition of alcohol ☐ Prohibition of certain guns or accessories ☒ None of the above		Each of these go against the bill of rights or article 1, section 9 on commerce.
FEDERAL TOPICS State from the US Constitution whether each of the following are lawful or unlawful powers of the federal government:
9. Food Stamps	Unlawful	This is not granted to Congress by Article 1, section 8.
10. Border Security	Lawful	Article 1, section 8: To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;
11. Social Security	Unlawful	This is not granted to Congress by Article 1, section 8.
12. Standing Army	Lawful	Article 1, section 8: To provide and maintain a Navy;
13. Medicare	Unlawful	This is not granted to Congress by Article 1, section 8.
14. Medicaid	Unlawful	This is not granted to Congress by Article 1, section 8.
15. Public Education	Unlawful	This was a court misinterpretation of the 14th amendment on due process.
16. Farm Subsidies	Unlawful	This is not granted to Congress by Article 1, section 8.
17. Levy taxes	Lawful	Article 1, section 8: The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;
18. Industry Subsidies	Unlawful	Article 1, section 8: To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;
19. Immigration	Lawful	Article 6 This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land
STATE & LOCAL TOPICS Cite from the US and/or Oklahoma Constitution whether each of the following are lawful or unlawful powers of state government:
20. If the State constitution or statutes authorize a program that the US Constitution prohibits the states from enacting, is the program Lawful or Unlawful	Unlawful	Article 6 This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land
21. Is it lawful for states to participate in federal programs that are either not authorized by the US Constitution or are prohibited by it?	Unlawful	This makes one complicit.
22. Are statutes calling for police to impound automobiles for no driver's license, tag, and/or insurance lawful or unlawful?	Unlawful	Civil asset forfeiture is unconstitutional.
23. Is it lawful or unlawful for municipalities to prohibit certain business types from operating in their town?	Unlawful	Government is to protect rights, not limit individuals or businesses from exercising them (including the right to exist and engage in commerce)..
24. May states make agreements or compacts with other states or foreign powers?	No	Article 1, Section 9: No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation

 

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Oklahoma State House

STEVENS	JENNIFER	Republican
DISTRICT NO. 79	OK HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	Tulsa County
Question	Answer	Constitutional Support
1. Is the US Constitution a binding legal document, or strictly an historic one?	Both	It is the most significant, important and critical document for our country.
2. Will you propose, support, vote for, or enforce a bill or law which is constitutionally improper?	No	We have far too many legislators willing to violate the constitution or the rights that it ensures the American people. We frequently see the 2nd Amendment being stripped apart, cherry-picked and white-washed in order to fit a narrative for a given situation.
3. Must citizens obey unconstitutional laws?	No	On the face of it, No. However, that depends on how deep your pockets are, how long you can fight and your attorney as well. What we know to be unconstitutional and what a judge's interpretation of the same are often a bit murky.
4. Does any government in the US have the lawful authority to require licenses?	State & Local governments only	The 10th Amendment grants the states the authority over professional licensure.
5. Are unborn children entitled to the same protections as those already born?	Yes, from conception	Article 4 states every person has the right to have their life respected, that includes from the moment of conception.
6. Are non-legislative branches of government authorized to make rules that are binding in the same manner as laws?	No	Congress is the only branch of government with the authority to enact new law or change existing law.
7. Is any government authorized to issue mandates, edicts, or dictates? (e.g.: natural disaster evacuation orders, vaccine mandates, mask mandates)	No	However, seven states currently have vaccine booster mandates....
8. Which of the following are lawful acts of government? Choose as many as apply. ☐Prohibition of sodas over a certain size ☐ Prohibition of drugs ☐ Prohibition of speech ☐ Prohibition of alcohol ☐ Prohibition of certain guns or accessories ☒ None of the above		If we want or desire to be big fat slobs, that is our personal choice. No one should have the right to dictate what size soda we are allowed to purchase or prohibit or limit our first amendment rights, strip us of our 2nd amendment freedoms (as they so often seek to do!) Free will, our right to make our own decisions and learn from our own mistakes.
FEDERAL TOPICS State from the US Constitution whether each of the following are lawful or unlawful powers of the federal government:
9. Food Stamps	Unlawful	Put into law in 1964, there is not constitutional law that supports this. They generally eat better than everyone else!
10. Border Security	Lawful	The government has an obligation to protect its citizens from invasion, currently we are being invaded, yet our government is aiding in the foreign invasion. Keeping our border secure from breech of foreign invasion, terroristic threats and invaders is a fundamental role of which they are failing miserably.
11. Social Security	Lawful	According to the Supreme Court, in 1935, they deemed Social Security constitutional under the "reserve clause."
12. Standing Army	Lawful	While the Founder's had some debate on this issue, and not all were in agreement, ultimately, they decided funding would be a 2 year rotational program.
13. Medicare	Lawful	no litigant has challenged the constitutionality of Medicare. The Constitution specifically authorizes congress to tax and spend for the welfare of the people.
14. Medicaid	Unlawful	The constitution does not set forth any right to have healthcare.
15. Public Education	Lawful	14th Amendment provides equal protection clause and right for individuals to have access to public education
16. Farm Subsidies	Unlawful	Farmers are a vital part of our culture, however, subsidizing them, and not offering equal subsidy for other small business who need access to capital is not acceptable. We can't justify shelling out money for one industry and not others.
17. Levy taxes	Lawful	The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defense and General Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States
18. Industry Subsidies	Unlawful	There is no law against. Government looks at it like it is just the cost of doing business.
19. Immigration	Unlawful	HR2
STATE & LOCAL TOPICS Cite from the US and/or Oklahoma Constitution whether each of the following are lawful or unlawful powers of state government:
20. If the State constitution or statutes authorize a program that the US Constitution prohibits the states from enacting, is the program Lawful or Unlawful	Lawful	States can nullify some federal laws
21. Is it lawful for states to participate in federal programs that are either not authorized by the US Constitution or are prohibited by it?	Unlawful	I don't really see how they are enforceable
22. Are statutes calling for police to impound automobiles for no driver's license, tag, and/or insurance lawful or unlawful?	Lawful	There is not a state in the country in which you can legally drive without a license, have your car be untagged, or uninsured and it be acceptable or it not be a violation of the law.
23. Is it lawful or unlawful for municipalities to prohibit certain business types from operating in their town?	Unlawful	It is unlawful to prohibit someone from operating a legal business in your town.
24. May states make agreements or compacts with other states or foreign powers?	Yes, but only with consent of Congress	Only with the expressed consent of Congress

 

Constitutional Grounds Answers

CONSTITUTIONAL	GROUNDS
	Our answers shall necessarily be longer than most candidates, as we quote citations and explain the reasoning behind each answer.
1. Is the US Constitution a binding legal document, or strictly an historic one?	Both	Of course, the document is historical, given its age and importance. It is certainly not merely historical. It is also the supreme Law throughout the united states.   Article VI, Clause 2 "This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof...shall be the supreme Law of the Land..." Oklahoma Constitution Article I, Section 1 “The State of Oklahoma is an inseparable part of the Federal Union, and the Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land.”
2. Will you propose, support, vote for, or enforce a bill or law which is constitutionally improper?	No	Any bill or law which is in any way constitutionally improper cannot be supported or enforced until it is amended to be lawful. This is part and parcel to the Oath of Office. Article VI, Clause 3 "The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States."   Oklahoma Constitution Article XV, Section 1 (relevant part) “’I, _________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, obey, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma…’” Article XV, Section 2 “…any person who shall have been convicted of having sworn or affirmed falsely, or having violated said oath, or affirmation, shall be guilty of perjury, and shall be disqualified from holding any office of trust or profit within the State.”
3. Must citizens obey unconstitutional laws?	No	Note the last phrase Article VI, Clause 2 This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof...shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any...Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.
4. Does any government in the US have the lawful authority to require licenses?	None	Licensing can never lawfully be run by any government. All licensing schemes begin with a violation of "due process" by creating complete deprivation of liberty or property, then "permitting or allowing" the licensee the "privilege" of doing that which is already theirs by Natural and lawful Right. Further, punishment is legislated for unlicensed exercise of the right, even if there is no other improper activity. This violates the "Privileges and Immunities" clauses of Article 4 and the 14th Amendment. All natural rights are protected by the 5th & 14th Amendments' Due Process Clauses, and the 9th Amendment.   Privileges and Immunities Article IV, Section 2, Clause 1 "The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States."   Due Process 5th Amendment "No person shall be…deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation."   Privileges & Immunities, Due Process, Equal Protection 14th Amendment "No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."   Protect Unenumerated Rights 9th Amendment "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people."   Oklahoma Constitution Article II, Section 2 “All persons have the inherent right to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and the enjoyment of the gains of their own industry.” Article II, Section 7 “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.”
5. Are unborn children entitled to the same protections as those already born?	Yes, from conception	It is self evident truth that an unborn child is a human life, a person. This person has just not yet been born. Under our Constitution, the rights of every person to Life, Liberty, and Property must be protected, not deprived or allowed to be deprived them, especially by statute. The Right to Life is paramount. It is a lawless, murderous people which allows its most vulnerable to be murdered by those supernaturally entrusted to be the guardians of their rights. It is worse yet when government not only allows, but funds (via illegal taxation) the murders. 5th Amendment "No person shall be…deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law..." 14th Amendment "No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."   Oklahoma Constitution Article II, Section 2 “All persons have the inherent right to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and the enjoyment of the gains of their own industry.” Article II, Section 7 “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.”
6. Are non-legislative branches of government authorized to make rules that are binding in the same manner as laws?	No	We realized by some of the answers that we should have said “…make rules that are binding on the public…” This is a learning process, for us as well as the candidates. Please consider this when you judge the responses.   The mark of a republican form of government is elected representation for lawmaking by a legislative body. Article 4 of the US Constitution requires a republican form of government (reference below). Under this system, only the Congress or state legislature may make rules which bind citizens, ie: legislate. No other branch has been, or may be, granted such authority. As the United States is a government of enumerated authority, any power not specifically granted cannot be exercised, even if delegated by the authorized branch. Of course, an executive may make rules for their branch of government, as long as the rules are themselves constitutional. For instance, an executive may direct policy via rules. But, such rules may not violate the Constitution. They may not set, or require that employees execute, unconstitutional or otherwise illegal policies. Nor may the rules violate the individual rights of employees. The judiciary certainly may not "create law." Sadly, Oklahoma’s Constitution violates the US Constitution in this regard, allowing constitutional “exceptions” to the clear republican separation of powers.   Republican form of Government Article IV, Section 4 “The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government”   Legislation exclusive to Congress Article 1, Section 1 "All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives."   Oklahoma Constitution, Article VI "The powers of the government of the State of Oklahoma shall be divided into three separate departments: The Legislative, Executive, and Judicial; and except as provided in this Constitution, the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial departments of government shall be separate and distinct, and neither shall exercise the powers properly belonging to either of the others."
7. Is any government authorized to issue mandates, edicts, or dictates? (e.g.: natural disaster evacuation orders, vaccine mandates, mask mandates)	No	Government is subordinate to the people, even though they create laws to which people must submit. Laws must recognize the sovereignty of the individual over their own affairs. Laws have limits. Every person is individually sovereign over themselves and has sole authority to decide for themselves (ie: liberty) how they react to any situation. The responsibility for choices is wholly upon the individual who makes those choices. They may not be punished, have their security threatened, or deprived of their liberty to decide for themselves. Yet, the rights of others are the limit to what may be chosen. Mandates, though, remove the decision making from the individual to the government. All such dictates, even if motivated by apparently good and/or "reasonable" motives are truly un-reasonable since they are improper. People are free to exercise their liberty especially when personal decisions cannot be proved to violate the rights of others. "Nanny State" dictates violate the protections of the 4th, 5th, 9th and 14th Amendments. 4th Amendment "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized." 5th Amendment (relevant part) "No person shall...be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law..." 9th Amendment The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. 14th Amendment, Section 1 "No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."
8. Which of the following are lawful acts of government? Choose as many as apply. ☐Prohibition of sodas over a certain size ☐ Prohibition of drugs ☐ Prohibition of speech ☐ Prohibition of alcohol ☐ Prohibition of certain guns or accessories ☒ None of the above		Government has no authority to legislatively prohibit any thing or any activity which does not violate the rights of others. Prohibitions are the very deprivations which the due process clauses of the 5th and 14th Amendments disallow any government from legislating into law. Regulations must keep the public safe, and address only the means to protect lives, property and liberty when equal rights may meet, but never prohibit the actions or property being regulated. (e.g., the basic rules of the road, which protect the right to drive, but make it safe for all when the rules are followed)   Further, the first three prohibitions are protected as rightful activity and property. Although they are unmentioned in the Constitution, they are protected by the 9th Amendment 9th Amendment. "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people."   Alcohol is covered by the 9th, as well as the 21st Amendment, which overturned the prohibition of the 18th Amendment.   Guns and accessories are specifically enumerated under "arms" in the 2nd Amendment, as well as property in the 5th and 14th. "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
FEDERAL TOPICS State from the US Constitution whether each of the following are lawful or unlawful powers of the federal government:
9. Food Stamps	Unlawful	The United States is a government of enumerated authority, any authority not granted the federal government cannot be exercised (10th Amendment). As noble as the program may seem, the federal government has never been granted authority to run any charity program. Quite the opposite is the case. The lack of any hint of authorization is sufficient proof. Further, the decisions about whether one gives to charity and the choice of which charitable organizations should receive gifts are the exclusive province of the giver. The "Due Process" clause and, even more, the "Takings Clause" of the 5th Amendment preclude any government from taxing to pay for such a program. 10th Amendment “The 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.”   5th Amendment (relevant part) "No person shall…be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation."
10. Border Security	Lawful	Article 1, Section 8, Clauses 1, 3, 15 (relevant parts) “The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect…Duties, Imposts…to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States…;” “To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations…;” “To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;” Article IV, Section 4 “The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion…”
11. Social Security	Unlawful	The United States is a government of enumerated authority, any authority not granted cannot be exercised (10th Amendment). As noble as the program may seem, the federal government has never been granted authority to run any such insurance, retirement, or benefits program. This was true in 1935 when the program was purely voluntary. Now, the program has added to the above constitutional violation by forcing participation and payment. This violates the "Due Process" clause and, even more, the "Takings Clause" of the 5th Amendment preclude any government from taxing to pay for such a program. In addition, it enslaves citizens by forcing them to pay, whether they wish to be in the program or not. This violates the 13th Amendment. 10th Amendment “The 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.” 5th Amendment (relevant part) "No person shall…be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation." 13th Amendment “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”
12. Standing Army	Unlawful	We admit that we could have used a different term than Standing Army. The idea was a permanent army. This term is not used in the Constitution but was widely used by our Founders, who lived through a standing British army which ruled tyrannically. We may constitutionally have a standing navy. What we were endeavoring to discover was who knew of the following clause, Article 1, Section 8, Clause 12 "The Congress shall have power...To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years" Note the contrast to the next clause regarding the navy, " The Congress shall have power...To provide and maintain a Navy"
13. Medicare	Unlawful	The United States is a government of enumerated authority, any authority not granted cannot be exercised (10th Amendment). As noble as the program may seem, the federal government has never been granted authority to run any such insurance, health, or benefits program. Quite the opposite is the case. Further, the "Due Process" clause and, even more, the "Takings Clause" of the 5th Amendment preclude any government from taxing to pay for such a program. In addition, it enslaves citizens to pay, whether they participate in the program or not, violating the 13th Amendment. 10th Amendment “The 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.” 5th Amendment (relevant part) "No person shall…be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation." 13th Amendment “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”
14. Medicaid	Unlawful	The United States is a government of enumerated authority, any authority not granted cannot be exercised (10th Amendment). As noble as the program may seem, the federal government has never been granted authority to run any such insurance, health, or benefits program. Quite the opposite is the case. Further, the "Due Process" clause and, even more, the "Takings Clause" of the 5th Amendment preclude any government from taxing to pay for such a program. In addition, it enslaves citizens to pay, whether they participate or not, violating the 13th Amendment. Also, for state participation in the program, see our answer to Question 21 below. 10th Amendment “The 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.” 5th Amendment (relevant part) "No person shall…be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation." 13th Amendment “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”
15. Public Education	Unlawful	The United States is a government of enumerated authority, any authority not granted cannot be exercised (10th Amendment). As noble as the program may seem, the federal government has never been granted authority to run any education program. Quite the opposite is the case. Further, the "Due Process" clause and, even more, the "Takings Clause" of the 5th Amendment preclude any government from taxing to pay for such a program. In addition, compelling charity enslaves citizens to pay, whether they have school children or not, violating the 13th Amendment. Also, for state participation in the program, see our answer to Question 21 below. 10th Amendment “The 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.” 5th Amendment (relevant part) "No person shall…be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation." 13th Amendment “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”
16. Farm Subsidies	Unlawful	The United States is a government of enumerated authority, any authority not granted cannot be exercised (10th Amendment). As noble as the program may seem, the federal government has never been granted authority to control agriculture, especially to take from the people to pay farmers for anything, especially to not farm. Quite the opposite is the case. Further, the "Due Process" clause and, even more, the "Takings Clause" of the 5th Amendment preclude any government from taxing to pay for such a program. In addition, it enslaves citizens to pay, whether they are farmers or not, violating the 13th Amendment. 10th Amendment “The 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.” 5th Amendment (relevant part) "No person shall…be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation." 13th Amendment “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”
17. Levy taxes	Lawful	Government has authority to tax to fund its legitimate operation, but nothing else. Please note the operative word “proper” in Clause 18 below. Originally, taxation by the federal government was limited. It expanded greatly upon passage of the 16th Amendment, which many believe should be repealed. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1 “The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;” Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18 (note the operative word “proper”) ”The Congress shall have Power…To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.” 16th Amendment The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.
18. Industry Subsidies	Unlawful	As above, this is again a power not granted and therefore cannot be exercised (10th Amendment). As noble as the program may seem, the federal government has never been granted authority to run any such industry or corporate benefits program. Quite the opposite is the case. The "Due Process" clause and, even more, the "Takings Clause" of the 5th Amendment preclude any government from taxing to pay for such a program. People may not be enslaved to pay money to go to others, for any reason. Finally, this is a breach of the Privileges and Immunities clauses, as only a few receive the subsidies or tax breaks. The remainder of businesses pay a higher tax bill to pay for those receiving the tax breaks or subsidies. 10th Amendment “The 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.” 5th Amendment (relevant part) "No person shall…be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation." 13th Amendment “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.” Article IV, Section 2, Clause 1 “The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States.”
19. Immigration	Lawful	Since 1808 lawmaking regarding immigration has been under the constitutional authority of the federal government. Article 1, Section 9, Clause 1 (relevant part) “The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and eight…” Further, Article I, Section 8, Clause 4 grants “The Congress shall have power…To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization…”
STATE & LOCAL TOPICS Cite from the US and/or Oklahoma Constitution whether each of the following are lawful or unlawful powers of state government:
20. If the State constitution or statutes authorize a program that the US Constitution prohibits the states from enacting, is the program Lawful or Unlawful	Unlawful	The US Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, is Supreme (Article VI). States may not violate rights. States may not enact or enforce laws or programs specifically prohibited them by the US Constitution (10th Amendment). The Constitution has definite prohibitions for the states. While we will not be specific here, the majority of these prohibitions may be found in Article I, Section 10; Article IV; and the 14th Amendment.   10th Amendment “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States…” Sadly, state constitutions and statutes are replete with provisions which contravene the US Constitution.
21. Is it lawful for states to participate in federal programs that are either not authorized by the US Constitution or are prohibited by it?	Unlawful	As explained above, the United States is a government of enumerated powers. Programs which are not authorized or are prohibited cannot lawfully exist. Therefore, participation is obviously a usurpation of power. It is also a violation of the Oath of Office for each official who is complicit. No individual, let alone state or local government, may participate in an illegal program. More especially those entrusted to ensure that the law is followed must be under a stricter judgment for such participation. The Oath of Office is perhaps the most sacred obligation in our state and nation. Its keeping is the key to lawful governance. Article VI, Clause 3 “The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.”   Oklahoma Constitution, Article XV, Section 1 (relevant part) “’I, _________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, obey, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of Oklahoma…’”
22. Are statutes calling for police to impound automobiles for no driver's license, tag, and/or insurance lawful or unlawful?	Unlawful	See our answer to Question 4 about government licensing. Licensing takes many forms, including tags/license plates, but all end in the same result, the criminalization of natural rights, punishment for otherwise lawful exercise of said rights, extortion, deprivation of liberty or property by legislation and not because of due process of law for abuse of liberty.   Compulsory insurance is another unconstitutional scheme. It seems valid, but deprivation before having done anything to deserve said deprivation or due process is again the scheme. In addition, compulsory purchase of insurance is another problem.   While the mindset behind compulsory insurance is tort, that those who may be the cause of accidental damage are always obligated to pay. The problem is that the rich who can afford the insurance are permitted to drive, while the others who may never have an accident are declared to be criminals for exercising their right to drive. But it unlawfully harms the poorest.   Constitutional propriety requires thinking outside of the decades old box. Insurance is to pay for mishaps which happen to the insured. Constitutionally, one may not be forced to insure others on the road. Government has no authority to dictate purchases. Additionally, no one may be deprived of their liberty because they cannot afford an improper, artificial requirement. It follows that with licensing being unlawful, its enforcement is unlawful.
23. Is it lawful or unlawful for municipalities to prohibit certain business types from operating in their town?	Unlawful	Again, we could have been clearer in our question. We were especially concerned about municipalities who wish to control the “image” of their cities, and therefore will legislatively disallow businesses which do not fit their “image.” But, as we have repeated above, governments may not legislatively violate the due process clause (5th and 14th Amendments and deprive citizens of their right to engage in a rightful business of their choice.
24. May states make agreements or compacts with other states or foreign powers?	Yes, but only with consent of Congress	Article 1, Section 10, last Clause (relevant part) “No State shall, without the Consent of Congress,… enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power…”