Let's take a trip back in time to the Revolutionary war. The time is 1783 and the Treaty of Paris has just been signed, we won the war right? No, in more modern terms think of our occupation of Iraq. Americans were the one's listed as terrorists and insurgents, the King of England was dealing with the French and other issues that were stretching the Empire thin. If you take the time to read the Treaty of Paris 1783 this may make more sense to you on the next part of this journey.
The hostilities were officially ended in 1785, 2 years later the Constitutional convention happens, 4 years later the Constitution and the Bill of Rights are ratified by the states. Although this seems like a long time to todays standards, in modern times this would be the equivelant of 6 months.
A Mrs. Powel of Philadelphia asked Benjamin Franklin, "Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?" With no hesitation whatsoever, Franklin responded, "A republic, if you can keep it."Dr. Franklin could by some be called a liar. The Constitution is a contract or even looked on as a treaty between the several states and the United States. There were specific limitations of this treaty such as coining money, regulating interstate (also considered international) commerce, and to come to the common defense of eachother. The United States was given a District of land 10x10miles, so in essence the United States is the District of Columbia and all its territories and the states are their own soverign country.
Before we go any further I need to make sure we have an understanding of what the "United States" were and the "several states". When our country started we were essentially Citizens of our respective states, not the United States. In order to become a citizen of the United States you had to swear an oath of citizenship which can be done in many ways (i.e. birth certificate, SSN, zip code, accepting benefits, or just by marking a document that you are a citizen of the United States). As a Citizen of your state (aka non-resident alien clasification in todays terms) you are governed by "Common Law". Many people dislike the common law because of the harshness of penalties, but it makes you free as well because as long as you're not violating somone else's property you are free to do as you wish. It is also less complicated so everyone knew the common law. As a United States citizen you are subject to their jurisdiction and state citizens are subject to the common law.
Note: This article will be continued as a string of articles each one standing upon the other. Take the time to check out the links under suggested reading to help with your own research on this topic.
