Good To Be King: The Foundation of our Constitutional Freedom

by Michael Badnarik

This book provides readers with the fundamentals of the Constitution by analyzing the legitimate basis for government, and the circumstances that lead to its ratification. Mr. Badnarik starts with fundamentals, identifying the difference between rights and privileges. He discusses the critical- and needed- distinction between republican and democratic systems of government, arguing that freedom can survive in America only if we return to our republican roots. He also illustrates the forgotten tenets of federalism and states' rights, arguing that federal usurpation of state power has accelerated the loss of our freedoms. The author then provides a detailed explication of the true meaning of major constitutional provisions and amendments.He does an excellent job of demystifying our founding document, demonstrating that ordinary Americans can and should understand the Constitution and how it applies to their lives.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, History

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Janice]

This is an important book that should be read by everyone, especially anyone who wants to understand the libertarian viewpoint. If you read this book, you will understand and love the Constitution of the United States better than you ever had before.

[Michael Murphy]

I'm a Michael Badnarik fan. When he was the Libertarian Presidential Candidate, I got a chance to meet him, just like I got to meet Harry Browne when he was the Presidential Candidate.

Michael explains the Constitution so that the layman can understand it. He writes clearly and with great humor—the way I like to educate people.

As the author of The Government, I know how hard it is to put a good book together, and Michael has more than accomplished that. His sheer genius can be found on every page, and I love to support him. He actually had the guts to crash the Presidential Debates when the Committee on Presidential Debates, consisting of four Democrats and four Republicans, wouldn't allow him or the Green Party candidate in the debates. He went to jail for it.

He's a real American that puts his money where his mouth is. I'm proud to have read and own his book.

[David Nishimoto]

The right to own property is fundamental to the constitution. The author explains that we don’t have rights by themselves. Instead the government agents are instruct by law what rights we are allowed. If the agent does not know the law or follow the law then the right is not granted. Rights must be fought for in court when disputed and fair compensation for property granted to the winner. The constitution limits the powers of government. The right to contract is created by the right to own property and be Compensated for the property.

[Matthew Kordon]

Although Michael Badnarik had departed, he lived to see many of his outspoken worst fears realized. In It’s Good To Be King, he warned repeatedly about the dangers of concentrated federal authority, the erosion of constitutional literacy, and the steady normalization of emergency powers. In the years following his campaign, these concerns moved from the margins of political discourse into the center, echoed across the ideological spectrum (such as with talks about birthright citizenship and the COVID Pandemic).

Badnarik was a peaceful, charismatic provocateur, raising insightful questions in this book about what exactly is happening around us under our noses. At times, the knowledge he shares is startling and his rare insights genuinely illuminating! At other times, his legal arguments rest on claims that superior legal scholars have rebutted. Regardless: freedom, consistency, and dignity were his north star.

Badnarik was at his best in this book when he speaks as a layman does, demonstrating that at the end of the day, he was as ordinary as they come, but decided to never stop learning and became irreversibly changed by what he believed he had uncovered. From that point forward, he committed himself to addressing problems the rest of us are content to ignore. It has been said about Michael that he lived his whole life without regret, and I believe that after reading this.

[Tiff Hunt]

One of the most important books I've read regarding the state of our country.

[Jonnythrombosis]

well written, well researched, a great help in grasping the history of the founding of the US republic & shows how the US people have been hoodwinked by corrupt powers that be - easy to read & understand - no punches pulled & of interest to freedom lovers whether they are americans or otherwise - many of the principles alluded to can be transferred to other common law jurisdictions

[Rkeddins]

A lot of good information, but from a worldview not a winner. It is probably a good read for those that are not very constitutionally aware and mostly exposed to television for their news and history. For me, it was rather boring and libertarian/secular.

[Tamzen]

Must read

[Dave Maddock]

The civics class you should've had in high school. An interesting tractate on the Constitution and individual liberty.

[Emily]

I am using this for my Goverment class. A must read for newbies to the constitution, and great for those who think they know what is wrong in our goverment. Amazing!

[Rachel]

A clear and concise explanation. Caution: Epiphanies forthcoming!