Americans nationwide are talking about an invasion. What is an “invasion” anyway? You may not have the correct answer if your definition comes from a politician, the press, or a professor. When dealing with words in the Constitution, like “invasion,” we cannot automatically ascribe today’s meanings (or feelings) to the same word as it was used 250 years ago.
The Importance of Defining “Invasion”
Rob Natelson wrote an article that explores this topic in depth. (1) What strikes me is the importance of defining words in the language of the founding generation. That’s how we can more accurately interpret original intent and apply it today. I use a hard copy of Webster’s 1828 Dictionary to learn the definitions of words as close to the language of our founding generation as possible. (2) However, it’s available online (3) if you wish to look up a word.
The Framers of the Constitution used the word “invasion” in the following ways:
Article 1, sec. 8
“To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;”
Article 1, sec. 9
“The privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.
Article IV, sec. 4
“The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; “
Article 1, sec. 10
“No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any duty of Tonnage, keep Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay. (note “unless actually invaded”)
What Does “Invasion” Actually Mean In the Language of the Founders?
What does “invasion” or its derivative, “invaded,” actually mean in the language at the time of the founding? I’ll go with Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, but Rob Natelson does a more thorough search. (See the bibliography below). Here’s Webster’s 1828 definition
1. A hostile entrance into the possessions of another, particularly the entrance of a hostile army into a country for the purpose of conquest or plunder or the attack of a military force. The north of England and south of Scotland were for centuries subject to invasion each from the other. The invasion of England by William the Norman was in 1066.
2. An attack on the rights of another; infringement or violation.
3. Attack of a disease, as the invasion of the plague, in Egypt.
Putting It All Together
So, we know when dealing with Constitutional issues, we must depend on the language of our forefathers. We cannot rely on today’s emotions, favored sources, teachers, or personalities. We can trust only after we verify. Otherwise, we can get into a tangled web.
It’s a lot of work, but if you are convinced about something, doing the work is worth the effort. You will stand firm in your conviction only after you have done your own research, not borrowed the feelings or interpretations of others. This is the eternal vigilance required of Americans to keep our country.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.🇺🇸
- Natelson, R. (2024, January 10). Understanding the Constitution: how states may respond to illegal immigration. Epoch Times, p. A16.
- Webster, N. (1828) An American Dictionary of the English Language. Vol. 1. New York, NY: S. Converse.
Photo by Matt Barnard
