Thomas Jefferson and John Adams debate whether we should have a constitution:
NOTE: As you can see from the last part of this video, it was placed online by an anti-big governemnt group.
Showing posts with label Lecture 2. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lecture 2. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Commerce Clause in Action
Today (January 14, 2009) we’ll be discussing the Constitution and we’ll spend a bit of time on the Commerce Clause, that part of the constitution that allows the federal government power to regulate the economy.
Amazon.com recently sued the state in New York arguing that the Commerce Clause prohibited that state from taxing them:
New York state won a round in court against Amazon.com over a new law requiring out-of-state online companies to collect sales tax from shoppers in New York.
The law applies to companies that don't have offices in New York, but have at least one person in the state who works as an online agent — someone who links to a Web site and receives commissions for related sales.
A state Supreme Court justice in Manhattan ruled the suit should be dismissed, saying Amazon had no basis for legal action.
Patty Smith, an Amazon spokeswoman, declined comment. The company sued last year, challenging the constitutionality of the legislation. It could still appeal.
The suit argued the change unfairly targets Amazon, is overly broad and vague, and violates the commerce clause of the constitution because it imposes tax-collection obligations on out-of-state entities.
Amazon.com recently sued the state in New York arguing that the Commerce Clause prohibited that state from taxing them:
New York state won a round in court against Amazon.com over a new law requiring out-of-state online companies to collect sales tax from shoppers in New York.
The law applies to companies that don't have offices in New York, but have at least one person in the state who works as an online agent — someone who links to a Web site and receives commissions for related sales.
A state Supreme Court justice in Manhattan ruled the suit should be dismissed, saying Amazon had no basis for legal action.
Patty Smith, an Amazon spokeswoman, declined comment. The company sued last year, challenging the constitutionality of the legislation. It could still appeal.
The suit argued the change unfairly targets Amazon, is overly broad and vague, and violates the commerce clause of the constitution because it imposes tax-collection obligations on out-of-state entities.
Who was Alexander Hamilton?
Hamilton was one of the chief proponents of a strong federal government. If you enjoyed the previous video posted below, you may want to watch this and learn more about this very important founding father.
What's the Purpose of the Treasury Department?
Alexander Hamilton lectures Thomas Jefferson on the need for a strong centralized government and the treasury department. Hamilton reprsented the mercantile interests whereas Jefferson was an agrarian. Washington largely sided with Hamilton.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
