Declaration of Independence (Grievances 1 & 2): The King Blocks Colonial Laws

This is the first episode in a podcast series celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by exploring the colonies’ grievances against King George III and how these grievances shaped the Constitution. Grievances 1 and 2 address the King’s power to negative (or veto) colonial laws or suspend such laws pending a decision on whether to approve them.In addition to providing background on the grievances, the episode examines how the grievances informed the Framers of the Constitution during the Convention. In particular, the episode explores the Framers’ consideration of whether to allow Congress a similar power to negative state laws; the development of the Supremacy Clause as an alternative to a congressional negative; and the President’s power to veto laws passed by Congress.