

Trump Accounts Under the Big Beautiful Bill: Do Federal Seed Contributions to Private Child IRAs Align with the General Welfare Clause?
Introduction to Trump Accounts and the General Welfare Clause On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA). Within the almost 1,000 pages of text sits the Trump Accounts : a one-time $1,000 federal contribution into accounts for children born between 2025 and 2028. To apply, parents must elect their children on their tax forms. These IRA-style investment accounts are initially seeded by a federal contribution. Following the initial seed, they
Feb 6


Obstruction of Injustice is NOT a Crime
Obstruction of Injustice is NOT a Crime by Jake MacAulay For two years we heard the drumbeat of “Collusion, Collusion” Now, we keep hearing the phrase “Obstruction of Justice.” I’m curious about this phrase and I think it deserves some examination. “Obstruction of justice” is what they call a “process crime” and falls into the same category as “contempt of court,” and “perjury.” These acts are prosecuted because they are considered to harm the public interest in the functi
Dec 18, 2025


Universal Injunctions
Can a single district judge order everyone in the country to do something? What are the limits on the powers federal judges can exercise? While the case United State v. CASA is about birthright citizenship, the question before the court is how far does a district judge’s power extend. Birthright citizenship has been a very hot topic for the last few years. When Donald Trump signed an executive order that quoted both the Constitution of the United States and federal law, claim
Dec 4, 2025


Permitting for Profit
Why do local governments care so much about how we build our homes? When are building permits constitutional, and when do they go too far? Are excessive permit fees a violation of the Takings Clause? In poker there’s a move called “Buying the pot.” This is when one person makes a very large bet in an attempt to discourage others from continuing the hand. But what if we’re not talking poker? What if we’re talking permit fees for the use of your own land? That is exactly what G
Nov 20, 2025


Restoring Liberty and Protecting Privacy: Two Powerful Events This November
Join the Institute on the Constitution and Privacy Academy for two powerful November events focused on restoring liberty and protecting privacy. Learn the constitutional foundations of freedom with Larry Mayo on Nov. 13, then discover five practical steps to exit the surveillance state on Nov. 19. Together, these sessions connect timeless principles with modern tools to safeguard your rights—both online and off.
Nov 9, 2025


Mexico vs U.S. Gun Manufacturers
Are U.S. gun manufacturers to blame for Mexican drug cartels? Can Mexico sue U.S. gun manufacturers for the criminal use of their products? Does the Protection of the Lawful Commerce in Arms Act mean what it says? Cities and states have been trying to put gun manufacturers out of business for decades with frivolous lawsuits, blaming them for the criminal use of their products. This got to be such a problem that Congress passed the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. No
Nov 6, 2025


Understanding REAL ID
It took more than 20 years, but the REAL ID Act of 2005 is finally being enforced. While several people have talked about the requirements for a REAL ID, and whether or not they even need one, I haven’t heard anyone ask one very important question: Is it legal?
Oct 24, 2025


To Allow Opt Outs, or Not to Allow Opt Outs, That is the Question
The question of if and when parents should be allowed to opt their children out of certain activities and curriculum in public schools has been raging for quite a while. With our society’s rapidly changing standards, the need for parents to oversee and control the upbringing of their children has become even more important.
Oct 10, 2025


Beginning of the End for the Johnson Amendment
How many of you know about the Johnson Amendment? Because if you’ve ever donated to a church or other charity, you’ve been impacted by it. This limitation on freedom of speech has been in effect for over 70 years. Now the House of Representatives is trying to remedy this infringement.
Sep 26, 2025


Automatic License Plate Readers
Privacy versus safety has always been a constitutional tug-of-war. The case of Scholl and Bednarz v. Illinois State Police puts the issue front and center, questioning whether warrantless use of automatic license plate readers violates the Fourth Amendment. Are ALPRs a tool for security, or a dangerous step toward mass surveillance?
Sep 12, 2025


Sip, Shop & Socialize
Freedom is worth celebrating—and learning about. That’s why Institute on the Constitution Senior Instructor Larry Mayo is teaming up with the Sussex County GOP for a one-of-a-kind event that blends civic engagement with a festive end-of-summer atmosphere.
Aug 29, 2025


The Latest SCOTUS Gun Rights Infringement
Explore the newest Supreme Court decision in Bondi v. Vanderstok and what it means for gun rights. Learn how redefinitions by the ATF may set precedents that dilute constitutional limits, blur legislative authority, and infringe on individual liberties.
Aug 19, 2025


Community, Constitution & Connection: Join Larry Mayo at Sussex GOP’s Sip, Shop & Socialize
Friday, August 29th, 2025 | 4–7 PM Sussex GOP HQ – 131 East Market Street, Georgetown, DE 19947 Freedom is worth celebrating—and learning about. That’s why Institute on the Constitution Senior Instructor Larry Mayo is teaming up with the Sussex County GOP for a one-of-a-kind event that blends civic engagement with a festive end-of-summer atmosphere. This Sip, Shop & Socialize isn’t your typical political gathering. Yes, you’ll meet local leaders and connect with like-minded c
Aug 14, 2025


Bringing the American View to the Delaware State Fair: A Call to Action for IOTC Students and Instructors
Since its founding in 1919 , the Delaware State Fair has celebrated everything that makes Delaware special— agriculture, family, faith, education, and community spirit . It’s the largest and longest-running fair in Delmarva , lasting 10 days and powered by a board of 80 directors and hundreds of community volunteers. For the Institute on the Constitution (IOTC) , it’s the perfect place to bring our message of constitutional education, biblical principles, and civic respo
Jul 17, 2025


Starting a Grassroots Movement When Resources Are Limited
Starting a grassroots movement can feel like an uphill battle, especially when resources are stretched thin. Often driven by passion and fueled by a desire for change, grassroots activism thrives at the community level. Whether it's advocating for environmental policies, social justice, or educational reforms, these movements rely heavily on the dedication of individuals who are committed to making a difference. However, getting a grassroots movement off the ground with limit
Jul 6, 2025


Practical Constitutional Defense Techniques for Everyday Citizens
Have you ever felt uncertain about your rights in everyday situations? Understanding practical constitutional defense techniques can empower you to stand up for yourself with confidence. Learning these skills doesn’t mean diving into complex legal texts; it's about knowing how to assert your rights day-to-day. By learning a few key techniques, you can protect yourself and stay informed about what you’re entitled to under the law. Imagine being stopped unexpectedly and not kno
May 25, 2025


Memorial Day
Memorial Day is when we as a nation honor those who died in the service of their country. Memorial Day has become the beginning of the summer season. Don’t we owe those who gave the last full measure of devotion more than parades and cookouts? See the full video on Monday. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happi
May 23, 2025


What’s Wrong with the Crucial Communism Teaching Act
Should the history of Communism be taught in school? Is it within the powers of Congress to require the creation of such a curriculum? What is the impact of allowing Congress to dictate educational standards? There are a lot of things I’d like to see done better in this country. On that list, education is right up near the top, but is it right to break the law to improve education? That’s the question I asked myself when I read the text of H.R. 5349, The “Crucial Communism Te
Jan 24, 2025


The American Church and You: Should You Participate in Government Policies?
A presentation by Larry Mayo President of Institute on the Constitution In 2022, a staggering 60% of Christians did not vote. This silence has contributed to a growing leadership vacuum, where the godless rise to power, steering society away from God’s principles. Proverbs 29:2 (KJV) starkly reminds us: “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” The time has come for the American Church—pastors and congregant
Nov 25, 2024


San Francisco v EPA - Oral Arguments
How much wastewater is too much? Congress, in the Clean Water Act, created a twisted and convoluted process for managing wastewater discharges. Are the permits the EPA issues detailed enough for San Francisco to follow or not? How much pollution is too much? We all want clean air and water, but we still want to drive our cars and flush our toilets as well. The question in San Francisco v. EPA is how specific does the EPA need to be when it tells cities how much waste they can
Nov 18, 2024



