FAQ
Q. What is the Rule of Law Revolution?
A. ROLR is a peaceful, circumpartisan, and circumreligious initiative with an ultra-narrow focus: restoring the rule of law to America by refusing to vote for candidates who will not pledge ahead of time to do these two things: 1) to refuse to exceed the legal authority of the office they are seeking, 2) to make full use of the “checks and balances” powers of their office to see to it that the rest of the government is not exceeding its legal authority.
Q. What is the Rule of Law?
A. In short, it’s the idea that a society can adopt a set of good, just, and fair laws by which it will be governed. This means that even the government itself is kept on a short legal leash. The nasty alternative to the rule of law is that the government can do whatever it wants, and the people have no way to refuse laws that they don’t think are good, just, or fair. Lately, the United States is resembling the latter more than the former. See our Rule of Law page for more information on the concept. And see our Lawlessness page for examples of how our laws are being violated by our governments.
Q. What does circumpartisan mean?
A. Circumpartisan means that we’re simply going around the party system. We’re not starting a new party, and we’re not trying to fight against any party (except inasmuch as any party is unwilling to obey the Constitution). In short, there are disgruntled members in all political parties whom we expect might readily embrace the Rule of Law Revolution, and who won’t have to leave their parties to do so. Thus, the ROLR is not meant to be patently divisive. In fact, we can imagine no less divisive way to reform the nation than to return to its founding law!
Q. What does circumreligious mean?
A. Like the previous term (circumpartisan), circumreligious means that the Rule of Law Revolution simply does not involve the religious tenets over which many divisions naturally exist in the nation. We are simply calling for a return to the Rule of Law. Therefore, people of every religious persuasion and degree, from those who want to “take back the nation for Christ” to those who want no religion at all, should feel equally safe with the ROLR once they understand just how it works and what it means.
Q. How many different pledges are there?
A. There are three pledges for candidates, and two for the general public. The candidates’ pledges are based upon which of the three branches of government they are seeking election to. There’s a fourth pledge for all eligible voters, by which they refuse to vote for any candidate who hasn’t taken the candidate’s pledge. (This one is the real “teeth” of the Rule of Law Revolution.) Then the fifth and final pledge is a Pledge of Allegiance to the US Constitution. This fifth pledge is incorporated into the candidates’ pledges, but not into the Voter’s Pledge, and can be taken by any one of any age. See all the pleges here.
Q. What’s the point of having candidates take a pledge? Don’t they already do that when they take office?
A. The difference is that we’re seeking candidates who will vow ahead of time not to exceed their legal powers and to see to it that the rest of the government in which they will serve does not exceed its powers, either. In other words, we’re looking for candidates for whom this promise is the foundation of their campaign, and not just for those who pay lip service to the Constitution from time to time.
Q. What if the candidates renege on the pledge?
A. This is unavoidable, and it is certain to happen from time to time since dishonesty abounds in America. However, the more voters who take the Voter’s Pledge, the more likely it is that incumbent who reneged on his pledge will be voted out in his next election and replaced with a sincere one. Further, ROLR plans to keep track of all candidates who take the pledge, leaving a persistent online record of their behavior while in office—whether good or bad.
Q. Are the candidate pledges only for federal offices, or for local offices, too?
A. The pledges are for every elected office in the nation. This includes town, city, county, parish, state, and federal offices. It also includes all three branches of government (legislative, executive, and judicial) at all these levels.
Q. I’m already busy with other political groups. How much time and effort will I have to expend to be a member of the Rule of Law Revolution?
A. Practically none! ROLR is not a membership organization, per se. We will have no meetings or events. We see our role as that of a facilitator, helping to unify the various political reform organizations into one super-focused initiative that we think they can all be proud of. Don’t worry, it’s just a collaborative effort, and each participating group keeps its own identity, autonomy, and membership. We simply think that although the various groups may disagree over many issues, the Rule of Law Revolution is the one thing that they can work together on without having to make substantial changes in their platforms.
Q. How can you unify the various reform groups by starting yet another group?
A. The Rule of Law Revolution isn’t a group; it’s an ideological initiative that we expect many of the existing reform groups to adopt.
Q. How much does it cost to be involved in the ROLR?
A. $0 if you’re a voter taking the Voter’s Pledge or the Pledge to the Constitution. For a candidate to take a candidate’s pledge is $25. Beyond that, you can buy promotional items if you like—bumper stickers, hats, t-shirts, etc. And we’ll always be happy to take a donation!
Q. Is ROLR a tax-exempt entity?
A. No. We don’t want the headache and the government oversight that goes along with being organized as a 501(c)(3) (or similar) entity. And besides that, we’re in a hurry to get this project up and running as the nation overall seems to be in a hurry to be as lawless as possible!
Q. If I sign the Voter’s Pledge, how long is that good for?
A. We will operate on the assumption that each pledgee intends to keep that pledge for a lifetime. Should your political philosophy change, however, we certainly don’t intend to keep you on the list if you no longer want to be on it! Therefore, we will send an email to each pledgee on the anniversary of your signature, giving you the opportunity to opt out of the petition.
Q. Can I put up a link to ROLR?
A. Yes, of course! We would greatly appreciate anyone’s help in promoting the ROLR initiative. If you’d like an ROLR “button” to put on your site, just email us and ask for one.
Q. How else can I promote the ROLR?
A. Talk about it with those you think might listen and see how much influence you can have. The real goal here is to change people’s minds, helping them to see how important the Rule of Law is. You might also find the ROLR promotional items to be helpful conversation starters. Bumper stickers, hats, t-shirts, and books can be great ways to get people’s attention.
