Holding Them Accountable

[Keith Broaders]

In 1649 King Charles was put to death for committing treason. He was found guilty of abusing his power and violating  provisions found in the Magna Carta. 

Whenever the Barons felt the King had abused his power they had a right to file a petition of any grievances they might have.  King John agreed to address the grievances and obligated all future Monarchs to do the same.

King Charles flagrantly violated the contract and he was put of trial for treason for failing to satisfy the Barons grievances. 

In Clause 61 of the Magna Carta the Barons granted themselves the right to suspend the payment of further taxes until the King complied with the provisions of his contract with the Barons. This clause granted to the Barons the ability to hold the King accountable.

The Judicial System of the United States is based on English Common Law and the execution of King Charles set a precedence that should be observed today.

In the First Amendment  to the Constitution the right of the people to petition their government for a redress of grievances is guaranteed.

The President and Congress of the United States, like former Kings and Queens of England are also required to receive and respond to grievances.

Whenever the people feel that the Constitution is being violated it is the right and the duty of the people to file a petition to address the issue.

According to the Magna Carta the people have a right to suspend the payment of taxes until the grievance is satisfactorily resolved.

All petitions received by Congress were addressed, until Congress passed the Gag Order of 1836. Upon the receipt of petitions on the issue of slavery Congress tabled the discussion of petitions involving the issue of slavery. Since that time Congress has ignored all of the petitions for a redress of grievance and we no longer have the power to hold the government accountable.

If it was treasonous for the King of England to violate the Magna Carta why is not treason for a President of the United States violate our Constitution?