The Bill of Rights -- the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution -- was ratified 231 years ago today, 15 December 1791.

The Bill of Rights sets limits on the powers of the federal government, including the well-known prohibition on laws restricting freedom of speech and of the press, the right to keep and bear arms, and the right to a trial by jury. It also states explicitly two general principles: that the listing of rights does not mean these are all the rights (9th Amendment) and that if the Constitution doesn't assign a power to the federal government then it belongs to the states, or the people (10th Amendment).

Of course over the last two centuries politicians have tried their best to side-step these rules, and unfortunately have been all too successful. It's up to us to hold elected officials accountable when they go beyond the specific powers named in the Constitution, and when they violate the principles outlined in the Bill of Rights.

More info:
* National Archives
* Wikipedia

Mike ter Maat, who is seeking the Libertarian nomination for President in 2024, visited Santa Clara County this past weekend during a campaign swing through California.

Mark Hinkle, currently Vice-Chair of the Libertarian Party of Santa Clara County received the Thomas Jefferson Leadership Award at the LP's 2022 national convention, held over the Memorial Day weekend in Sparks, Nevada.

The Libertarian Party of Santa Clara County endorses a NO vote on Measure A in the June primary election, calling it "deceptive". The measure, put on the ballot by the Santa Clara Valley Water District, would change the term limits for members of the district board.

The Libertarian Party of Santa Clara County has declared its opposition to two ballot measures that will impose tax burdens on local citizens.

As a Libertarian voter, you probably don’t like it when governments stomp on taxpayers’ rights.  How about gun rights?  Or both?  Ever wonder what you could do about it?  Here is an action you can take right now to fight for both those rights.

The Libertarian Party of Santa Clara County endorses the "Repeal the Death Tax" initiative, for which petitions are currently being circulated in the county and all across the state.